Wheel bearing or aux drive noise?

[top_man_eldo]

Hi all,

Just posted a few questions on here, but actually missed one out!

I have an awful scraping noise when driving the car, which can only be heard when the engine is under load (for example, accelerating in 6th from 1500rpm), and in dry weather! The noise seriously quietens in the wet!

My first instinct was to replace all tensioners on the auxillary drivebelt, and the aux belt itself. I was missing a tensioner anyway! So I done this, but it hasn't cured the problem. Somebody suggested the crank aux pulley, although is this a cambelt-off job?

I am also debating whether infact that this is the source of the noise, as I also have a metallic squeeling noise coming from the front wheels when turning right, like into a parking space. This noise also seriously quietens down in the wet weather! So maybe it is a worn wheel bearing, I don't know, but would a worn wheel bearing become noisier when the engine is under load? Maybe a daft question, I would think not, but someone maybe able to help me!

So basically my conclusion on this, is that whatever the noise is, the water/spray from the road is seriously quietening it down in wet weather! I am tempted to remove the auxillary drivebelt from the car again, and take the car for a short drive, as it is impossible to hear the noise when the car is idling. The noise also doesn't increase with more load on the belt, for example, air-con running, heaters, lights and everything else turned on!

Whatever it is, it is driving me mad and sounds terrible. Maybe someone can help!?

Many Thanks,
Tony.

[Prof Peach]

I would get someone to park the car in a space while you are at the front of the car. Get them to pull in and out of the space a few times to make the noise.You should be able to pinpoint the area the noise is from, at least enough to rule out drivebelts or bearings.

It will be a lot easier than changing more parts in the hope it cures the problem.

[Pud237]

Missing a tensioner?! How was your belt still on? Very lucky!

[top_man_eldo]

Originally Posted by Pud237

Missing a tensioner?! How was your belt still on? Very lucky!

Yeah it was the bottom idler, it was completely gone! No chance of finding it on the undertray either as that has gone as well! Belt was suprisingly tight to be honest!