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MG MGF Technical - Screeching drive belt

Hi,I have a MGF VVC on a P plate, after a 400 mile round trip the other day I noticed a screeching from the engine. It looks like its coming from the drive belt. I am not an expert by any means when it comes to cars and just wanted to know, if this screeching could be the drive belt, is it safe to drive like that? does it need replacing? and if so approx how much??

Thanx, Andy
Andy

You definitely don't want to leave it in its present condition Andy - it's not unheard of for a failed drive belt to send debris into the path of the cam belt sprokets causing cam belt and therefore catastrophic engine failure! :o(

After that note of doom and gloom, it may simply be a case of tightening up the belt, as it is slipping. However, replacement is not a bad idea.

Have a look in the archives, I am sure that Will's written something about drive belt adjustement in the past?

To inspect the drive belt you need to remove the right rear wheel and remove the inspection cover in the wheel arch. It's a fibre board item held in place by self tapping screws. Annoyingly, the self tapper can corrode in place in the alloy engine carrier.

You can then get a good look at the belt, and judge tightness and condition (if any indication of fraying, get it replaced ASAP).
Rob Bell

Cheers Rob, is the replacing or the tightening of the drive belt easy enough for a novice, or will I need a garage to look at? Andy
Andy

Access is typically awkward Andy - so you may want to get a garage to do it unless you want the challenge.

The workshop manual instructions are pretty clear and easy to follow though. :o)
Rob Bell

Hi Andy,

Its a 'challenge' I decided was beyond me when I had this problem late last year on my VVC.

If you find a good garage (that you trust not to rip you off), then it is a good chance to get a full service.

When I got a garage to do it on my VVC, they changed the water pump at the same time £36 while you have the engine apart.
And also cleaned up the VVC mech.

It actually made a huge difference.

However, my garage wasn't so cheap and I was billed a very high three-figure number! - Still.., once I'd got over the shock, it was probably worth it!
Neil H

I had a strange whining noise from the drive belt on my car and after a good look with the engine running and jacked up ( yes I know what you're going to say) I found a water leak that I had been unable to locate. The car was under warranty and I got a new water pump fitted and the noise went away.

not worth ignoring.
Kevin s

hi, thanx for the input, but I have just had the water pump replaced and theres no water leaking, thank god, as Ive had enogh problems with it already. I'mm 99% sure it is the drive belt, but as a complete novice when it comes to MGF's and there being no Haynes handbook, it is very difficult to know what u r doing, does anyone know where I can get a step by step guide of how to change a drive belt????
andy

YHM :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed on 02/08/2004

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