12 replies to this topic

[RyanBebo]

Hi all, the mini has started making a really loud squealing noise in first and second gear, but in all gears when it's cold or nighttime...
It sounds like the fan belt if i'm honest, just wondering is it worthwile changing it, and is it a simple job, cheers!

I drive a 96 Rover Mini Equinox 1.3i

[Dan]

  Check the tension and see how clean the pulleys are first.  As belts wear they sink lower in the pulley grooves, if it's still fairly high it shouldn't need changing.

[RyanBebo]

Ahh cheers matey, should it be really tight? and how high should it be sitting?

[Dan]

  You should just be able to twist the belt by 90 degrees halfway along the longest run (crank pulley to alternator), or just be able to get a total of 1/2" deflection of the belt (1/4" in and 1/4" out from where it normally sits) in the same place.

 

  As long as it's not right at the bottom of the vee grooves it will still be gripping the pulley cheeks, once it gets very low it bottoms out and looses a lot of its contact area to the sides.

[RyanBebo]

Ahh thanks matey, I'll give it a quick check after i've had some tea ha ha, if it does need a belt is it an easy fix?

[Artful Dodger]

Yup:)




Annoying we arnt mad about Beetles, you can change them in ten seconds with a screwdriver when the engine is running!;)

[Alex_B]

Yup:)




Annoying we arnt mad about Beetles, you can change them in ten seconds with a screwdriver when the engine is running!;)

I thought he was joking... 

mother trucker! 

[RyanBebo]

 

Yup:)




Annoying we arnt mad about Beetles, you can change them in ten seconds with a screwdriver when the engine is running!;)

I thought he was joking... 

mother trucker! 

 

Oh my word that is awesome ha ha!!!
Bet if I tried to do it, i'd lose my arm, neck, head and screwdriver!

[Alex_B]

I dont think you can do it on a mini ;) gotta somehow get it over the fan and not catch your finger on the alternator fan (FYI hurts quite a lot as I have found once when I wasnt paying attention) 

[RyanBebo]

Haha didn't think you could do it on a mini! I want a beetle now, such easy maintainence!

[Dan]

Really?  Try setting the tappets, under the rear wings, on two different sides of the car!

[RyanBebo]

Ahh guessing that's a pain the behind haha?

[xrocketengineer]

Really?  Try setting the tappets, under the rear wings, on two different sides of the car!

Oh, I remember the good old times......