My 51 1.4 16v Fabia is making a couple of strange noises and I would be grateful for any pointers.

Noise 1 is when starting up cold. Comes from right side of engine if facing it, lasts about 2-3 seconds, sounds a bit like a slipping belt?

Noise 2 is possibly from exhaust, sounds like a rattle or scrape from about level with drivers seat. Only starts after engine has run for a few minutes and is variable in intensity and irregular, but you can hear it when driving and when stationary

 

Be grateful for any help

Edited 6 December, 201411 yr by Brooklynodog

Noise 2 sounds like the middle box baffles are breaking up.

Noise 1 maybe the power steering pump, check the fluid level.

Thanks mate, why would the pump make that sort of noise if the fluid was low please?

If fluid levels are low the pump with start to cavitate as ita sucking air in.

btw could the noice that sounds like a belt... be a belt

Is there a belt in that vicinity?

Is there a belt in that vicinity?

 

No.

Noise 2 sounds like the middle box baffles are breaking up.

Noise 1 maybe the power steering pump, check the fluid level.

Definately not power steering fluid as level is fine. I have checked the oil today and have the worrying sign of emulsified oil and drops of water in the cap. I know older cars often have emulsified oil in the cap, but wondered if this was possibly related?

Could it be the starter motor?

Definately not power steering fluid as level is fine. I have checked the oil today and have the worrying sign of emulsified oil and drops of water in the cap. I know older cars often have emulsified oil in the cap, but wondered if this was possibly related?

 

Oil emulsion on the cap is normal for this time of year, it's caused by condensation when the weather gets colder.

 

Could it be the starter motor?

 

It could be sticking, yes.

Is there a DIY fix?

Is there a DIY fix?

 

You can remove the starter motor and clean and lubricate the pinion shaft and the throw fork but the solenoid is sealed and would need replacing if it was suspected to be faulty. The motor itself is obviously ok although it will burn out from overspeeding if the problem isn't fixed. If this sounds a bit much you may be able to take it somewhere and they will recondition the unit for far less than a new part will cost. Alternatively you can buy a secondhand unit and swap them over.

 

However, the noise you describe may not even be the starter motor.

Sounds exactly like this

 

Sounds exactly like this

 

starter motor

Up date for those that may be interested. Car in garage I trust, exhaust noise is the catalytic converter breaking up, £100 + Fitting and VAT. It is the starter motor screeching, told me its not worth replacing as problem isnt with starter but how it sits in engine, new starter would start same problem in due course. Not sure what folk think of that, even though I havent explained it properly as I didnt really understand what he meant

told me its not worth replacing as problem isnt with starter but how it sits in engine, new starter would start same problem in due course.

 

Never heard such a load of rubbish. It's the bearings, or it's sticking.

I havent explained myself properly I`m sure, but whatever they did, its worked