fucus squeal

[peteryoung]

my daughter has a w reg focus 1.8 turbo diesel and it has a squeal for a short time after starting from cold, has had new alt ,pump drive belt, but still there,mileage about 90,000, could it be due to cam belt?

[TWR]

At that mileage you should get the cam belt changed ASAP but that would not cause the squeal, from what you say it's coming from the front of the engine? check your power steering oil.

[peteryoung]

thanks thought cam belt change was 100,000, but did wonder if power steering oil was thick when cold .
is that what you mean? or do you mean its low?

[sad old git]

is the squeal constant or only when changing gear? could be clutch release bearing. Just a suggestion, hope it helps.S.O.G.

[TWR]

check the level of you Power Steering oil, it should be RED clear & thin, at a 100,000 Peter you are taking one hell of a chance, I do not go what the manufacturers recommend as it's not them that's paying the bill if the belt snaps then you are talking of serious money depending on the damage the valves have done, in some cases hitting the piston or embedded in the pistons, Check under your car for fluid loss from the power steering area beneath the car.

[peteryoung]

many thanks twr, I thought 100,000 seems a bit high, 60 or 70 would be more like it I would think, will tell daughter , she has someone lined up to do it, so the sooner the better by the sound of it. will also get her to check the ps oil, she has only had car for a couple of months,and is otherwise pleased with it,better than the 1.6 vauxhall people carrier thing, not much good on the hills of the cotswolds.. Thanks again
pete

[paddiez]

Then again,check your fan belt ,if it's loose it makes a squealing sound

[TWR]

Hi peter
when the Cam belt gets changed the kit should come complete with the tensioner make sure you have this done also replace all the belts Alternator P/S. this way she knows the car will be right.

[peteryoung]

thanks once again, have passed on info to daughter and she will get the belt done asap, she had the alt belt changed the other day so that one is ok