"DCA" wrote in message
...
vw-stuff wrote:

My Golf (gti 16v, 1997) is very noisy in the engine bay around where the
rubber belt is around the alternator/powert steering/air con pump etc.
Would replacing the belt solve the problem or could it be a worn bearing
on
one of the pumps? The sound is hard to describe, it is not a squeel like
you get when the belt is loose, it is a constant whine whilst the engine
is
running.

Is replacing the belt an easy process? Do I have to remove the offside
wheel and wheel arch liner?



Hard to diagnose without listening but if you haven't had a new cambelt
fitted recently, ythe noise is most likely to be the cam belt tensioner,
or the bearing on the water-pump/alternator/power steering pump etc etc

Belts aren't noisy, the only slight noise you get from very large belts (not
cars) is windage noise and sometimes slapping. Lack of noise, as well as the
lack of need for lubrication is the reason they're used rather than chains
for cambelts, in spite of their propensity for snapping every now and again.

As the previous correspondent says, you almost certainly have a noisy
bearing somewhere.

Sorry can't advise hard or easy as I've never changed the belt on this
vehicle but from the look of things on my car I'd have a good look at my
knuckles before I started because they're not likely to look the same when
you're finished!

Good Luck.

Regards

Pilgarlick