help diagnosing v6 pump noise

citrov6 · Unread post by **citrov6** » 22 Dec 2009, 13:10

I think the bearings have gone on the hydraulic pump. It started whining 20 miles into a long journey, after 200 miles it turned into a scrapping metallic sound. It comes from front drivers side of the engine where the pump is though I suppose it could be anything in that area I find it hard to pin point it since the pump is still doing its job of raising the car. It did seem quiet before raising the car but that could be my imagination. Just want to confirm or not, what the problem is before replacing every single part until the sound goes

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 22 Dec 2009, 14:12

Use the good old fashioned method of placing a stick on each area and listening to the other end - or a stethoscope if you have one

I would think that if it was the pump bearings it would probably be leaking.

Peter

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 22 Dec 2009, 15:01

Use WD 40 with the long straw and put some at your suspect areas.......don`t overdo it on the belt and clean it off when engine stopped. May be tensioner or bearing. Change of noise can help detect the problem area. With any method be wary of that belt.

citrov6 · Unread post by **citrov6** » 22 Dec 2009, 15:32

It seems to have gone quiet now, I let it warm back up but nothing. I'll take it out for a drive later and see if it starts again. Trying to avoid getting stuck in snow and dark at the moment.
Thanks for the test ideas I found a stethoscope I used a few years ago when there was another noise

Brigsygtt · Unread post by **Brigsygtt** » 22 Dec 2009, 15:47

Has the car got air con?

My a/c compressor clutch failed making the same noise as you describe.

citrov6 · Unread post by **citrov6** » 22 Dec 2009, 16:34

hmm, yes it does , I have been using the aircon to demist on cold mornings, but no other time. That would make sense because the suspension system seems to run fine

Stempy · Unread post by **Stempy** » 22 Dec 2009, 22:36

The tensioner rollers can also get very noisey.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 23 Dec 2009, 10:07

Altinator Bearings too, I had a similar noise on a TD VSX Estate with Air con, I swapped pumps being rather confident with the Screw Driver Listening test it ws the pump..

Um... nope ............ Turned out to be the Altinator bearings were shot! Amazingly loud rough noise..

I dont think the Ump has a bearing does it? Its a Brass Cap/seal bearing isnt it?

Paul