2006 Audi A3 - VR6 - Squeaking Belt NIGHTMARE

[shaner3721]

Hey all,

I've got a 2006 Audi A3 VR6 (3.2L Engine) with a squeaking belt and I'm having a hard time sorting it out. Hoping to get some guidance on next steps.

Car starts and runs without any noise, but once it is up to temp (roughly) and I've driven over 40mph (roughly) the belt starts squeaking and it is EXTREMELY LOUD - can't even tell where the noise is coming from because it is so loud, but it has to be the belt, right?

The squeaking only happens when coasting or at idle. When a gear is engaged and I'm accelerating, the noise goes away.

I've done the obvious - replaced the belt, replaced tensioner pulley, replaced both idler pulleys. Attempted to lube other bearings/pulleys to see if noise temporarily reduces (it doesn't). I've also spun the other pulleys/accessories with belt load removed and the car off, all seem to spin okay.

In addition to the squeak, I now have ABS + EPC lights coming on the dash - these are not always on, and sometimes the EPC will flash and I'll lose power (as though the car things it has lost traction). I have no idea if this is related or a separate issue.

Given the current status - I'm looking for guidance on (A) what is causing the squeak and how to stop it? and (B) are the electronic issues possibly related since the belt is connected to the alternator?

My next thought is replace the clutch pulley on the alternator, but I'd rather stop trying random remedies and confirm the root cause first.

Thanks!
Shane

[shaner3721]

Oh, one other note: it seems as though the car is suddenly not idling great - tends to hunt a little bit as though it has an A/F issue or some other electronic gremlin (again, not sure if this is related!)