Squeeling noise - 911 3.2 (1984)

[65571]

Hi all,
I've a 1984 911 3.2. It's started making a squeeling noise together with a burning rubber or clutch smell. The noise occurs when driving and changing gear- typically when engine speed lowers on changing gear.

I've had belts replaced and it's still there. Porsche dealer has said "Clutch release mechanism and clutch assembly replacement" and want £3200.

Any thoughts and comments welcome. I've had the car for 20 years and had a new clutch around 10 years ago, and had done maybe 2 to 3000 miles since.

Rgds
John

 

[911hillclimber]

Imho
get the clutch cable adjustment checked
a hot or slipping clutch does not smell f burning rubber, far more acrid than that!
find a well known independent to check it over
that clutch change 3000 miles ago should still be good.
hope this helps
Graham

 

[65571]

Many thanks. I took my car in to have a sunroof seal done and ended up with a 'free' health check report for over 10k from main dealer. Im wise enough to know the score and how they operate. The car has only ever failed once for an alternator in 20 yrs, starts first time and is a joy to drive.

Reading this report you'd think it was ready for the scrap yard! I will get a 2nd opinion - probably go to Northway (nr Reading), who have always serviced it, but declined to do the sunroof seal. OPC maybe right, but I just feel they see an old car and they must rub their hands. I reserve judgement until a 2nd opinion. Appreciate your helpful comment.

 

[chas3.2]

Make sure you have fitted a genuine Porsche fan belt if they
sit too low in the pulley they slip.

Charles

 

[911hillclimber]

That's a good plan I think.
I have an '85 3.2 engine in my old 911, 140K+ miles in, never been apart except for an alternator repair.
Starts and runs great.
Good luck with their findings.

 

[CJ Lampwick]

The smell and squeals definitely sound like my fanbelt did - last year my alternator packed up and had to be refurbed, which cured all the clunks and jangles which had been worrying me silly, the bearings must have been shot. When I started her up, the noises off made me think that I would never buy a car that sounded like that from cold.

On refitting, with a new genuine belt, I had much trial and error with the adjustment shims, it appeared to be right but a short drive had the belt slipping, a strong smell of rubber and a squeal. It's right now, and the car is as quiet as it has ever been, much to my relief.

 

[911hillclimber]

Totally agree with the above, shimming the new belt is hard to get right, esp when the job is checked after a run and the belt settled a bit.
However, OPC much surely has 'felt' the tension in the belt rather than ask for £3200? Maybe not!

Belt slip usually occurs when adjustment is 'loose' and the alternator is under load at low rpm, the belt can slip (and squeal/smell) all to easy as we know.

Maybe time to revisit the belt.