Belt squeal at high RPM

[anonymous-user]

Hi all

Just bought a cheap Audi 80 for a bit of Bangernomics.
I'm trying to sort out a few niggles (nothing that stops the car driving well, just minor annoyances).

I noticed the other day that I get a bit of a squeal in all gears when the engine is revved at around 4k rpm or more. Is this likely to be one of the aux belts? I read in the WD40 thread that spraying WD40 onto the belt may help.

Is this a good idea, or any other suggestions?

Apologies for what is most likely a stupid question, but I'm a novice trying to learn a little!

Thanks

[russell_ram]

Well it will and it won't !

Spraying WD40 onto the belt will usually very temporarily quieten any squeal enough for you to confirm that that is the issue. The effect though will only last a couple of minutes at best. You then either need some specific belt dressing spray or to replace the offending belt. Even in bangernomics world £10 or £15 for a new belt is allowable if it's p***ing you off that much.

Russ

[russell_ram]

Probably also should have said:

If it's the belt(s) then it wouldn't normally only do it 'in gear'. In fact, because the engine spins up quicker, it will often be worse with a quick blip of the throttle in neutral. Can't remember what the belt arrangement is on an Audi 80, but also it'd normally be worse from start with alternator loaded (heated rear window on) and or PAS loading.

If it doesn't do it in neutral then it's most likely not the belt(s).

HTH

Russ

[anonymous-user]

Hi

Thanks for the info.
I'll test soon - so heated window on, PAS to load, start it up and then give it a few blips and see what we get?

Thanks