I would suspect the water pump more than any of the belts if your belt turns
your water pump aswell in same area. Doubtful to be the alternator bearings
as when they do start to go then your battery charge starts to go
intermittent thus showing your charging light on dash illuminating on and
off slowly as the brushes inside miss contact due to worn /warped alternator
shaft/bearings etc. To be sure i would fit a new belt at right tension then
re-tighten the belt a few days later. Is the noise still there and is it
actually coming from the alternator? Try running the car without the
alternator belt on for a minute. If its still there then something worse
would be suspected. Good luck.

essexgirl


"SFC" wrote in message
...
I had a similair problem with a mercedes diesel. Replaced the belt
(multi-v)
and the noise was gone. I guess it was just slipping causing the squeel
noise...

SFC

"vw-stuff" schreef in bericht
...
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?