squealing on cold start..... sounds like a personal problem


the plug is local to the pump

 

Before you go pulling things off, check your power steering fluid for proper level. A low reservoir will make the car make noises like you describe, which go away when the car is warmed up.

 

Did some digging today. Bought a stethoscope, the whole 9 yards. The pulleys all sound fine. Lubed a few of the noisier ones. Power steering fluid is at the max line, coolant is topped up, no oil leaks, belt is in superb condition...

Still squealing. Goes away after I hit operating temp, and won't do it again untill the car has been sitting for hours in the cold.

While digging I found it odd that the noise was more prominent from the wheel wells than at the engine.

I'm at a loss.

 

It is also possible that it is a bad coolant thermostat that is not closed all the way when cold. Have you run the engine cold with the belt off? This will eliminate all pulleys as welll as water pump. Did you unplug the secondary air pump as I previously suggested?

 

funny....my car just started making a squeal upon cold start as well...is basically less than a second long and goes away immediately...did your car start off that way?

Any advice appreciated.

thanks,
J

 

That's a good idea. Yeah I unplugged it, it's not the air pump.

Nope, just started doing it. Yours sounds like it could be a starter issue.

Had someone over here today looking at it with me. He suggested it may be the clutch release bearing. When I push the clutch in the noise does not reduce, but it does change in pitch/frequency. Any idea if that's a DIY replacement? Or does that require an engine drop to get to?

Also, I found out that running the car with the MAF unplugged not only gets you a check engine light, but also disables PSM and ABS.

 

I had an Audi A6 2.7T that did the same thing on very cold mornings. The squeal was related to the power steering fluid and the very cold temps, but had nothing to do with the level of the fluid. The squeal would disappear in a few seconds. The dealer knew exactly waht is was when I described the symptoms and it seems it's common on those cars. Try turning the steering wheel when the squealing occurs to see if the pitch changes. If it does, you've found the source of the noise. Unfortunately, there was no cure for the Audi other than warmer temps.

 

Bad Air Oil Separator can also squeal like a dying whale at start-up - cavitation causes the noise and can also lead to aeration of the oil - which is a very very bad thing!

 

After some more monkeying around I'm really thinking it's the clutch release bearing. I got a quote from the dealer. $2500 for bearing, clutch, and both seals. An indy in the city quoted $2300 for bearing and clutch, and another $1300 if the flywheel is toast.

 

That is a way overpriced offer from your dealer and indy. The parts are about $400, and it takes less than 4 hours to do the whole R&R. Don't pay more than $800-$1000.

If you simply have a noisy release bearing, and have not abused your car, all of the other drivetrain pieces are probably fine.

 

So, have you positively eliminated the secondary air pump, pullies and the water pump as the source of the noise? If you haven't, don't go any further til you do. The throwout bearing will only make noise when the clutch is partially or fully engaged. If the noise is present when the clutch pedal is not depressed, it is not the bearing. Don't let some guy simply guess what the problem is and charge you an arm and leg to do work that may not fix the problem.

The sound of a bad throwout bearing is easily identified by any good mechanic. However, many Porsxche Technicians only know what the book says and are not true mechanics.

BTW, you can get a clutch kit installed which includes everything buy flywheel at many places for as little as $1200 including parts.

 

ouch, are those Canadian Dollars? WOW -

 

They sure are. Shops here aren't cheap. Wait... nothing here's cheap.

 

Sure did. Started with the air pump off, then again with the belt off. Still squealed. Thanks for the idea of taking the belt off and running the car. Way easier than the way I was going about it.

It's certainly more pronounced when the clutch is being engaged. Occasionally it will go away with the clutch out, but it seems to be hit-and-miss. It is quieter with the clutch out though. Usually only goes away completely when the car is warm.

 

Try one more thing to eliminate it being a vacuum noise. Remove the oil cap and start the car and see if the noise remains or substantially changes.