Belt Change
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delboy1974del
New member
i have the exact same problem.
My car howls like mad now after getting the belts done at the end of Feb
Ive sent it back in again as ive done almost a thousand miles and its not getting any quieter like the garage
said they would
My car howls like mad now after getting the belts done at the end of Feb
Ive sent it back in again as ive done almost a thousand miles and its not getting any quieter like the garage
said they would
Mr.FixitNorm
New member
Right, I've been to the garage today and spoken with the owner, he said new cam belts often whine a bit when first done and he said they always retension them at 500 - 1000 miles. ( they do this as part of the original cost as well ) He also said that as they stretch when new it's safer if they're a little tight initially. ( Incidentally, he said the original belts were in pretty good nick, and he didn't think they would have failed anytime in the near future, but he did agree that it's better to be safe than sorry )
Although I've only done about 80 miles since it was done I do think it's slightly quieter than when I first picked it up ( or I've got used to it ! ) anyway I'm taking it back in about 8 weeks time to have it checked and adjusted, important thing is they're done.
Not sure if it's my imagination but the car seems a bit livelier now ???
Still got a few things to sort out myself:
oil change, rattle behind dash, trace water ingress to rear passenger footwell + nearside rear driveshaft - strip clean and repack CV's [
]
Thanks for all the reply's
Norm
Although I've only done about 80 miles since it was done I do think it's slightly quieter than when I first picked it up ( or I've got used to it ! ) anyway I'm taking it back in about 8 weeks time to have it checked and adjusted, important thing is they're done.
Not sure if it's my imagination but the car seems a bit livelier now ???
Still got a few things to sort out myself:
oil change, rattle behind dash, trace water ingress to rear passenger footwell + nearside rear driveshaft - strip clean and repack CV's [
]Thanks for all the reply's
Norm
Diver944
Active member
I've now had my belts changed five times across both cars at recognised Independant Specialists and they have never made an excessive whining noise afterwards.
If they do whine it is more often than not an inexperience with 944's and caused by the Balance shaft Belt being overly tight. The balance shaft belt is very long and should be much looser than most cars camshaft belts which is why there is a tensioning tool specifically for it. Experienced Indies who do this job every week can probably set the tension by feel, someone who does this job once in a blue moon probably cannot.
If they do whine it is more often than not an inexperience with 944's and caused by the Balance shaft Belt being overly tight. The balance shaft belt is very long and should be much looser than most cars camshaft belts which is why there is a tensioning tool specifically for it. Experienced Indies who do this job every week can probably set the tension by feel, someone who does this job once in a blue moon probably cannot.
vincematthews
Member
All this assumes that the Porsche tool 9201/2 has been calibrated and is giving accurate readings [&:]
Not sure why you would want to retension the belts at intervals different to what Porsche specify . . . .?
Not sure why you would want to retension the belts at intervals different to what Porsche specify . . . .?
surrey 944T
New member
From my experience of running 944's on and off since 1995 the advice of 4 years is far too short an interval for a cambelt change - simply lining the pockets of who ever is giving you this advice.
I have never had a belt fail and I've run them much longer than 4 years (but low miles).
Its true to say better safe than sorry but 4 yrs with low mileage use is just silly.
I have never had a belt fail and I've run them much longer than 4 years (but low miles).
Its true to say better safe than sorry but 4 yrs with low mileage use is just silly.
pauljmcnulty
Active member
Have you been in the position of taking calls from people with wrecked engines caused by belts over four years old? I have for about 5 years.[8|]
It's rare for belts to fail, of course. But, most people do change their belts within the recommended time frame. So, with only a small proportion of cars running with old belts any number of failures is significant. Multiply it up by the number of owners who don't post on forums or admit to a belt failing when overdue and it's even worse. Belts have been known to fail under 5 years old, rare but not great if it's on your car.
What I don't get is why you would risk it? It's a small price every four years for the belt alone, and if you're going to pay for it after 5, 6 or 7 years how much are you really saving? Might as well say don't change the oil, as it looks fine, or leave the air filter for a few more years. Worth it just for the peace of mind, I'd hate to drive around with a nagging doubt like that in my mind.
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