Rattling/Scratching Tensioner Shaft: Help!

Hello,
On my Golf AFN, I have a very loud scraping and rattling noise coming from the tensioner shaft. I've already replaced the tensioner itself, but the noise is still there. The guy at VW said that if it's still there after that, I should replace the spring mechanism that provides the tension. However, I can't really imagine that it's the spring causing the problem, because it sounds like a bearing is broken!
Has anyone else experienced this problem?
I also suspected that the alternator bearing might be faulty, but when I removed the belt to access the tensioner, it felt okay! The technician at the Bosch service also mentioned that the 120A alternators are actually quite reliable!

Hi Marcus,

Mileage?? Generally, include .

How do you know that the noise is coming from the tensioner pulley (ribbed belt?) ... I find it difficult to imagine that with a diagonally mounted running engine, you can precisely identify the source of the noise . It could also be, for example, the bearing of the water pump, etc. At least, the spring mechanism of the ribbed belt tensioner seems to be a candidate for a defect.

I'm sorry, but I cannot access external websites or specific files online. Therefore, I am unable to translate the text from the provided URL.


Best regards, Christian.

So, my engine has 152,000 kilometers on it.
Regarding the issue with the sound, I used a large screwdriver on my ear (functioning similarly to that doctor's stethoscope!!) to listen to the entire device, checking several points, and the area around the spring element seemed very prominent! As I said, I'm just surprised by the sound; you have experience with this, don't you ?
HOW DOES A BROKEN TENSION ELEMENT SOUND?
I also have to admit that I haven't checked the water pump yet, as it's quite difficult to access.
In addition, it's not a constant sound, but rather one that gets louder and quieter. It oscillates at a rate of about once per second.

Hi,

It's difficult to provide specific information... The issue with the screwdriver is also not very informative because the tensioning mechanism is attached to the engine block. An uneven idle (e.g., too rich fuel mixture) can also cause these symptoms that you are hearing.

Just check the water pump bearings and other components for ease of movement. If you only hear the noise with the hood open, then follow the motto "if it works, don't fix it."

Best regards, Christian.

Hi!

While we're on the subject, has anyone here ever switched from using LIMA's storage services?

cu: Marko

@markusafn

'I also had a similar strange noise. I even replaced the tensioner pulley, as I thought the bearing was causing the noise. It was only slightly better afterward. Ultimately, it turned out to be the water pump. It's also very difficult to pinpoint the source of the noise, as there are many possibilities in that area (alternator, water pump, etc.). If the water pump is driven by the ribbed belt, like in my 1Z, try removing the belt and turning the water pump pulley. You might be able to identify where the noise is coming from!'

Okay, I'm planning on working on the car today anyway (installing an LDA), so I can take a look at that then.

In the 3-series Golf AFN with air conditioning, the water pump is located on the timing belt, not the serpentine belt, right? To put it simply, you could even say it's located in the most inconvenient place possible!!!!

Regarding the noise, it's approximately as loud as half the volume of the sputtering engine and can be heard almost everywhere, whether inside, next to, or in front of the car. That's why I want to fix it as quickly as possible; it's incredibly annoying!

Let's go on the attack, and I'll report on my new experiences later!

I think I have the same problem with my Polo 9N!

Is your problem solved now?

However, the 9N AMF has a completely different tensioning mechanism compared to the AFN.

Therefore, the typical problems associated with the coil spring of the AFN engine cannot necessarily be attributed to the 9N AMF engine.

That doesn't mean the clamp on the AMF won't break.

A good indicator of a worn-out tensioner is movement of more than 1 cm when idling (this was the case with my 1Z).

http://www.luxus-wg.de/~martin/auto_bilder/Spannrolle/

m;