hi,

I have recently aquired a 2000 1.4 16v fabia and have noticed that the alternator belt is a bit noisy. Although there are not splits/cracks the belt looks like it has possibly been on the car for quite a while so though it might be a good idea (considering the low cost) to just change it. Is this an easy enough DIY job or is it worth paying for the garage to do it? Any tips on doing it greatly appriciated (e.g. is it worth getting a "proper" skoda belt or just pop down to GSF, how to set the tension on the belt correctly, anything to watch out for, etc).

thanks,

Pete

the belt is a bit noisy? cant see how the actual belt will be noisy,isnt the noise coming from something it drives?

The only way I've heard of the aux drive being "noisy" is if it's slipping. As Warwick says, the noise is more likely to be a driven device or one of the idlers (well unless it's an obvious slipping sceech, when I'd suspect the aux belt tensioner).

One way to find out is -

With the car idling, spray WD40 (or similar stuff, preferably with an extn. tube fitted to the cap) on to one pulley axle/pivot at a time, give the engine a rev each time, allow a minute for the WD40 to disperse each time before you try the next pulley.

When the noise goes you've found it.

If you can't isolate one pulley then spray the inside of the belt itself, and see if it goes quiet.

If the screeching always occurs when you are accelerating under load, the belt is incorrectly tensioned, the belt is slipping on one of the pulleys. Have a look on the inside surface of the belt and you will see a glazing effect on the rubber. New belt time and re-tension,