Hi,

My 2.0 TDi Octavia has an unwanted noise coming from the engine. It sounds like the squeal/chatter (difficult to find the right word to describe it) of a belt. I first noticed it about 2 months ago, though it was only slight and didn't happen all the time, but seemed to happen when under load (i.e. accelerating in a high-ish gear). Now it is happening most of the time, sometimes when idling, though still worse when under load.

It is difficult to identify exactly where it is coming from. I did notice while investigating that the cambelt cover had not been clipped on properly from when the cambelt was changed (repaired) earlier this year. The clips were loose even when in position, resulting in one of the clips rubbing on one of the pulleys/tensioners, and it has worn a grove in it! Not sure this would result in the noise though.

From my limited description of the noise, can anyone offer any suggestions for identifying it/rectifying it?

Thanks in advance.

Check the tension on the alternator belt, it could be coming loose.

Good luck

Thanks guys.

It could be the a/c compressor, as it does seem to go away when I turn the air-con off. Will do some more testing with it to see if it definitely is.

Would an air-con service help? It's probably long overdue for one. Or is my only option to replace the compressor, and if so, what sort of price am I looking at?

Thanks.

Have you sorted this?

I just experienced the same and it turned out to be a knackered EGR valve. Air was escaping on acceleration.

It sounded like a belt to me but Greig of TOTAL VAG in Leighton Buzzard soon diagnosed it!