Hey guys

recently i have noticed a minor issue with the furby vRS :S and i thouht i'd come and share here, in the hope someone could shed more light!

I believe I have a problem with either my alternator or my battery. As the two are so closely related maybe if i post the syptoms up you can help :wonder:

car:

05 furby vRS, 49k, air filter6k ago, oil change due now, original battery, engine/drivetrain standard, aftermarket h/u (no amp or sub! )

general syptoms:

Occasional reluctance on starting (2-3 seconds cranking)

Glow-plug light staying on up to 6 seconds in morning

reduced MPG (indicated, 54 down to 50)

usual headlight-dipping whilst turning wheel (not apparently any worse than when I got car)

direct syptom:

High pitched but quiet additional sound on start-up,and when idling.

I traced this sound to the general area of the alternator, sounds like the belt rubbing or slipping etc.

The question is what is the cause of these symptoms?

A search on here revealed the following suspects:

Battery - original, if low could be requiring max input from alternator, potentially causing belt to slip

Alternator I - Alternator dodgy and thus not charging battery properly

alternator II - Has somehow moved causing misalignment of the belt causing a rubbing sound

Torque Bearing - Apparently on the end of the altenator, this takes up the tension, but if faulty could cause belt to slip like above.

Obviously there could be other suspects i'd not thought of or discovered - any light that you guys can share would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks very much!

pl

A search on here revealed the following suspects:

Battery - original, if low could be requiring max input from alternator, potentially causing belt to slip

Alternator I - Alternator dodgy and thus not charging battery properly

alternator II - Has somehow moved causing misalignment of the belt causing a rubbing sound

Torque Bearing - Apparently on the end of the altenator, this takes up the tension, but if faulty could cause belt to slip like above.

You have already found the possible cases so go through them 1 by 1, check the cheapest 1st.

Also if the power steering warning light comes on after starting but can be reset after a few miles by turning the ignition off and then restarting, then most likely cause will be the battery.

Most likely---I would check the alternator belt 1st.

Edited 9 March, 201016 yr by Soot1e

You have already found the possible cases so go through them 1 by 1, check the cheapest 1st.

Also if the power steering warning light comes on after starting but can be reset after a few miles by turning the ignition off and then restarting, then most likely cause will be the battery.

Most likely---I would check the alternator belt 1st.

Thanks for that - belt will be my first port of call! Thankfully I haven't had the power steering light on yet.

Anyone have any idea if a torque bearing can be replaced or is it whole with the alternator?

Thanks

PL