Hi everyone, I have a mk1 1.9TDI that has started making a strange noise on starting. It is a whining from the left hand side of the engine near the belts. I suspect it could be the water pump on the way out. The noise generally fades as the car warms up although it is still audible. I'm assuming it's time to change the belt anyway as it's done 130k (It's had at least one change). Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this and if they could recommend a parts supplier as, if I'm going to the trouble of doing it I might as well use decent quality parts. I'm assuming I'll need belt, water pump and and pulley(s). I've done a few belts before, but none on VAG engine, so is there anything particularly difficult or is it just a case of following the instructions in the Haynes manual?

it's sounds like it's the accesories belt ...don't worry too much

timing belt don't do high pitch noises

Could also be the freewheel pulley on the alternator or the aux belt tensioner (that is more of a rattle).

TPS or I have used parts from GFS in the past (never tried a EuroCarParts kits yet).

This guide helps, is for a mk4 Golf, but the same principles apply.

Could also be the freewheel pulley on the alternator or the aux belt tensioner (that is more of a rattle).

TPS or I have used parts from GFS in the past (never tried a EuroCarParts kits yet).

This guide helps, is for a mk4 Golf, but the same principles apply.

If it is the alterator pulley it will kill the tensioner pretty quickly so probably worth changing the tensioner if you do the pulley. Though it is surprisingly expensive compared to the tensioner on the PD engines.

Thanks, I was secretly hoping that it might just be something on the ancillary belt, at least it's not so urgent and potentially catestrophic, I can wait for a gap in the weather. And I get to aquire another tool that I'll probably never need again!

If the aux belt goes it can take the timing belt with it so don't just leave it. Ive seen this happen loads of times

If the aux belt goes it can take the timing belt with it so don't just leave it. Ive seen this happen loads of times

Oh well, cold hands it is then. Thanks.