My car is making noises when warm from the timing belt area. What is causing the noise?

Question

Well, to make a long story short, my timing belt for my mazda car slipped last spring. I had the timing belt and tensioner replaced at the dealership. Then the car started to make a noise after i drove it on small roads for 10 to 15 minutes. I took it back, they said it was the idler bearings. The car made noises again after driven for 10 to 15 minutes. Then winter came, the car no longer made any noises. Now spring time is here, and the weather is warm again, the car now makes noises again in the timing belt area after it is driven for 10 to 15 minutes on small roads. When the car is driven on freeways, it doesnt seem to make as much noise if not any, this usually only happens while it is driven on small roads, where there is stop and go and during warm seasons such as spring, summer, and fall, but not winter. Does anybody have the solution to this problem? My car is 2000 Mazda Protege Es with 1.8L engine and 4 cylinder. Can it possibly be the two cams or whatever you call it?

Answer 1

I can tell you that it's extremely hard to fix cars over the Internet...

But being experienced in this area... I would say that the noise are coming from the tensioner that is getting weak.... It allows the belt to flap around... sooner or later it's going to jump a tooth or 2 and then you'll feel less power and hesitation - and sooner or later - Your going to konk out and have major problems... Have it looked at Soon... the sooner the better - and the sooner the cheaper!

Bring it by a local high school and/or college that has mechanic courses... talk to the teacher... You may find... that a small donation and a "thank You" can save you hundreds of dollars..


Good luck!

Ron...

Answer 2

a lose belt