Noise, sounds like I'm pulling a cart !

[simplyshaker]

Whilst driving I have this high pitched whistle noise, exactly the sort of noise you would expect from the wooden wheels on a horse drawn cart.
It doesn't make this noise at stand still, so I've ruled out the engine belts etc. At first I thought it was the brakes binding slightly but it only occurs when driving along in gear but not accelerating, or at least thats when it can be heard. It stops when the clutch is pressed in.
I have the impression that its coming from the rear of the vehicle, but while sat in the back of the van it seems to come from the front (my kids say so anyway).
I thought about the propshaft bearing ? Would that cause a noise like that ? But why would the noise stop when the clutch is pushed in ?
The gearbox would be my guess, but the noise just doesn't fit for me, its not a whirring sound. And the gearbox oil was changed recently (put ATF in it, MT75 box)
Also was wondering whether the diff sounds likely ? The kids say the noise is coming from up front while they are say in the back though, and the noise goes aay when the clutch is pressed in, you can nearly play a tune using the clutch.

I think its the box, but would like some advice and help from you all

Thanks in advance, sorry I can't describe this noise any better.

1989 2.5 Di

[bazw]

It stops when the clutch is pressed in.


1989 2.5 Di

this makes me thing thrust bearing

[MrMPuk]

It stops when the clutch is pressed in.


1989 2.5 Di

this makes me thing thrust bearing

Would be noisy when clutch pedal depressed if it was that.

[Dave F.]

Loose torsion spring in the clutch plate perhaps?

[GBBiker]

Check your gearbox oil. I had the same on mine. A drain and re-fill with new MT75 fluid solved the problem.

[Nadjenka]

I had similar noise from my alternator belt. I know you ruled that out as a first thing, but did you actually check that it is all ok under the bonnet? Mine started exactly as you're describing it - it only occured when driving in gear, but not accelerating. Did you check the belt is not slipping? Mine was trying to get off the pulley

Oh and yes - it also did that funny noise when pressing the clutch

[simplyshaker]

I'll check the belt Nadjenka, but I can't see how it can be that, It sometimes makes the 'screechy' noise on the morning start up but after a few moments its fine. Plus, I don't have any soundproofing between me and the engine and it doesn't seem to be in that direction.
Although, I have been worried about problems since I changed the timing belt but didn't change the tensioner, I thought that could be whistling, any thoughts ?
Gearbox oil was changed last autumn, but with ATF, I'mover in England in a couple of weeks, I might pick up some MT75 oil and change it again. The box isn't leaking enough for it to be too low on oil all ready, but as soon as I can find somewhere dry and flat I'll give it a check.

What about the diff or prop-shaft ? Anyone had any whistling noise from there before ?

I think its the gearbox, but its the noise thats strange, its like a creaking wheel going around slower than the actual speed of the van.

[the_big_fact_hunt]

if your belt sometimes squeals on start up, it may be squealing under load. You could remove it and take it for a short run and rule it out but beware if you have PAS as it wouldnt work without a belt.
Anything other than a short run could cause the engine to overheat

[Anton2k3]

I had a similar problem, only occured during accelleration. Took me ages to find the problem, checked everything. Turned out to be the propshaft touching the propshaft bearing carrier. It can be adjusted backwards and forwards, so just adjusted it out. Worth a check.

[simplyshaker]

Tightened the belt as best I can, its not got an adjusting bolt so its a bit of a pain in the arse, still does the noise.
Added about 100ml of oil in the gearbox, maybe less, still does the noise. (doubt that its because its ATF and not MT75 oil that its squeeking)

Checked the prop shaft, can't see anything that could be the cause, noticed that it has no grease nipples ?

I wondered if it could be the speedo cable, I have that problem a lot on my Triumph bike ?

Still worried that the tensioner bearing might be making this noise, but would that change by pressing the clutch in ?

Next step is the diff oil, been wanting to change that for a while, I'll see if that changes anything.

Had one of my children check around in the back on the way home from school, she says it might be coming from the rear wheel (same child that said it was coming from the front !)

Tommorrow I'll lift up the van and give that wheel a spin see if I hear anything

Its driving me mad, Id rather the prop shaft flew off so at least I knew it was that.

[simplyshaker]

Noise is getting worse

Makes a noise now when the clutch is pressed in too, slightly different noise though.

Filled the diff up with oil, I think it was actually empty !! Knew I should have done that straight away Was hoping it was that but still making the noise.

Took the wheel off the side my daughter says the noise is coming from, cleaned the drum on the inside with some meths. The pads seem OK but was wondering if it could be a light glazing causing the noise

Next step I suppose will be a light smear of grease around the centre bearing rubber to see if that changes anything. If so, I'll have at least located the noise.

It sounds stupid to say Im not even certain about where the noise is coming from, it seems to be all around the bloody van. I just can't work out why its only present while decelerating.

Thrust bearing ? What sort of noise would I be looking for ? Doesn't do it while stood still in neutral though.

[GBBiker]

Doesn't do it while stood still in neutral though.

Ah! That narrows it down a bit.

I doubt it will be clutch related then. More likely to be drivetrain related. Could be anything from propshaft or diff to wheel bearings or brakes.

[friertuck]

i`m having a similar problem at the mo, been squealing for couple of weeks, today it shredded the drive belt, replaced bearings in tensioner pulley & idler pulley, pas pump changed,new belt 2 weeeks ago still the same, have it in garage today and they think it s clutch in alternator pulley? being fitted tommorow so fingers crossed will let you know if it sorts it.

[friertuck]

Just read through your post again and notice yours is a mk 5 dont know if yours has this clutch pulley as mines a mk 6.

[simplyshaker]

Friertuk, (was in Harrogate last week on holiday, had a lovely sausage roll !!)

Was yours making noise at standstill ? I can't see my problem in the engine area, Im still pretty certain it has to be in the drive train somewhere, thats why I hoped that after filling the diff it would have cleared it up.

Not been in the van today but I was wondering if the diff was running without oil could I have damaged it enough for it to keep making the noise now its been filled ?
Can I clean all the drum brakes (pads, piston etc) using meths ? Was wondering if all the dust in there could be causing problems, it used to squeal a bit when braking at first but would clear up as I used them more.

Still can't work out why the noise would change when I push the clutch in though if it was that, stops when I accelerate or brake still.

still going to put a little grease on the center bearing rubber, keep you all informed if it stops the noise, at least then I'll know where its coming from !!!