RussB

Within the last week I hear a constant squeaking sound from the front of the (1984 5000S naturally aspirated) motor. I can't locate its source.

I listened beneath the car to the alternator and air conditioning compressor. I don't think that the noise is coming from either.

I initially thought that it was the water pump bearing, but a professional (non-Audi) mechanic said no -- most water pump bearings rumble or rattle, not squeak. The water pump shows no evidence of leaking coolant.

He thinks that it's a belt that's squeaking, so we tested the exterior belts by briefly spraying a touch of WD-40 on the exterior belts, with no change in the squeaking.

He thinks that it may be the timing belt squeaking against the idler pulley, aggravated by the high humidity that we're experiencing locally. My friend thinks that I shouldn't worry about the squeak. I'm just a shadetree mechanic, so I don't know what to do next.

Any ideas, please?

Type44Q

Didja look for mouse droppings?

Tom Serrago

Remove the T belt cover and spray the outside of the belt with silicone lube.
If you still hear the squeak, spray the idler bearing with WD-40.

I believe these water pumps have bushings, and they can make various squeaking sounds for several reasons: not enough coolant is reaching the bushing, coolant to hot, coolant is old, T belt to tight, bushing getting tired, various combinations thereof.
Another in the long list of Audi early warning indicators.

RussB

Thanx, Tom!

audiqv8

Remove the accessory belts (Alternator, PS pump and AC). Start the car and see if the noise is there. If it is still squeaking then the timing idle roller would be suspect, but if it isn't then one of the accessory ie; Alternator, PS pump, AC or the belt itself is causing the problem.

Tom Serrago

HTH