Winter taking its toll...

[jdmnomore]

Hi all,

This winter I havent been driving my S4 at all really. I start and drive it a short distance aprox every other day. My concern is the sounds coming from the engine bay during at one point the warm up period but now especially on colder days after the car has warmed up. First is what can only be described as a loud whistle which always goes away after a minute or so. Then there is the sound of what has to be IMO one of the chains or tensioners attached to the motor. The sound is very disturbing and although it doesnt sound catastrophic im concerned it my be early signs of an issue.

At one point this sound would go away but now it persists even after the car has warmed up, grant it the temp has been consistently 30 or below. I was told the alternator belt, and after searching and searching the web Im thinking the timing chaing tensioner, ( i believe its called) or something along those lines. Ultimately my question is, should i go ahead and start the process of getting it diagnosed and fixed my concern being that if it is one of these belts it may not be covered under warranty or is this a common cold issue and should i let it be.

Finally i just want to add i recently changed my fuel filter and it doesnt seem to be coming from my fuel pump so i ruled that out. The sound seems to be coming from the front drivers side of the engine. Also this is an (Oct 03) 04 s4 with 40098 miles. Thanks in advance

[jdmnomore]

anyone, similar issues, free post, please help.

[turbo4s]

yeah im going into service tom for it

[jdmnomore]

Can you explain further? Basically im one of the unfortunate few who arent CPO'd, and before i explore using this aftermarket warranty of mine I'd like to know a little about why. All im looking for is a little detail from someone who has experienced similar issues.

[Captain Insano]

I would get the problem diagnosed if the sound was not normal. Whether it's covered under a warranty or not, you want to be proactive.
Alternator belt fix - reasonable most likely
Timing chain related part fix - probably very expensive

[jdmnomore]

Well after doing some more research, im pretty sure this is my serpentine belt. The bird like whistling sound that lasts for no more then 10-20 seconds upon start up is i believe the tensioner. The sound that follows which can best be described as a loud bumble bee is the actual serpentine belt. It seems the cold was cause of the issue as my car just hit 40,000 miles. Im not sure what to recommend as far as avoiding this issue and im not 100% sure but im fairly certain that my serpentine belt and tensioner are being affected by the cold weather. Once i figure out what it is for sure I will add to this thread.