Ford Focus timing belt noise?

Question

Hello,
I have not had my focus for long, but I have noticed, especially with the bad weather we have been having in the south east (UK) over the last few weeks, that if I come round a corner and hit a puddle ( a reasonably large one) a high pitched screaming noise comes from the drivers side front wheel area. At first I thought it could have been the brakes, but when I looked under the bonnet, I can see what I believe is the timing belt, its not covered up with any protective plastic on this car, there is a guard at the bottom but nothing around the middle and top. My Peugeot one w as completely covered. Could this explain what the noise is? It doesn’t happen on normal puddles only the big nasty ones that you can't see in the dark until its all too late.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have a 99 Ford Focus 1.4 16v

Answer 1

If the timing belt was slipping, the car would not run anymore. Timing belts have teeth on the underside that hook into grooves cut into the pulleys. This sounds more like your serpentine belt (sometimes called the accessory belt, or fan belt.) You can try shielding it, but most likely, it's a little looser than it should be. Try tightening it up a little, if you can. If it has an automatic tensioner, then you are probably getting towards the end of the belt's life, and should prepare to buy a new one soon.

Answer 2

that is your serpentine or drive belt. to get it replaced should not cost too much money, $70 in U.S. If it is older and deteriorated it will generally squeal when it gets wet and should be replaced. Also make sure they you or your mechanic checks the tensioner assembly on the drive belt when you replace it. This keeps the proper tension on the belt. You also have a timing belt inside of the engine just under the timing cover (would be just behind your drive belt.) your timing belt is not exposed and should be replaced every 60 thousand miles or so. The timing belt replacement will be more money probably $600 U.S. however if it breaks it will cause irreversable internal engine damage and the will render the engine no longer usable. Good luck. Maintenance is the key.

Answer 3

thats the serpintine belt that drive things like the power steering pump and alternator. the timing belt is behind the front cover. The noise is caused by the belt slipping on the pullies when the belt is wet

Answer 4

Its not your timing belt. If that slips or snaps your engine is a gonner.
It sounds like either the fan belt (drives the alternator) Or the belt for the power steering pump. Spray the lot including the alternator with WD40 trying not to get it on paintwork. (Doesnt do any damage to paint, but your better safe than sorry)

Answer 5

Are you sure it is the timing belt??maybe you are confusing with the "V" or alternator or auxillary belt. which sounds like you are. its normal when they are wet or when the weather is very cold they can make a screaming noise. I wouldn't worry if the noise goes away in couple of minutes. Timing belts have teeth inside and they turn cam shaft(s), and driven from the crank shaft and they are usually well covered.

Answer 6

When it gets wet, that probably causes the belt to start slipping, which is causing your noise.

Answer 7

i dont think thats the timing belt, they are covered up, normally inside the engine. maybe its your serpentine belt that runs the fan or ac, or alternator...have it checked

Answer 8

That is your main drive (serpentine) belt, when it gets wet it slips, can't be your timing belt, because it has notches in it and can't slip when it gets wet.

Answer 9

thats your fan belt not your timing belt...if it gets wet it will make noise untill it drys

Answer 10

probably the fan belt!