Humming Noise After New Timing Belt

**Hotel Guy** · 02-08-2008 11:39 AM

Well I had my timing belt and water pump changed about 3 weeks ago on my 2002 1.8L. The first thing I noticed after I got the car back was that there is a faint humming noise coming from the engine bay that gradually increases with speed from 40mph+. I searched but was unable to find anything. I have put about 500 miles on the car since the belt was changed and the sound is still there. Has anyone had this issue? Any thoughts? Its pretty annoying since I was in love with how quiet the car was at 80mph.

**dirtybrd** · 02-08-2008 11:56 AM

Sounds like they tightened the belt a little to tight. Nothing to worry about, it'll quiet down. Did you also have them change all the tensioners?

**Hotel Guy** · 02-08-2008 12:07 PM

Yes all the tensioners were changed (ECS timing belt kit). He did mention that the belt was pretty tight when he put it on. Its been giving me this humming noise for a while now (500+ miles). About how long does it take for the belt to 'break-in'?

**MikTip** · 02-08-2008 02:01 PM

2 options...

Have whom ever did the work go back in there and properly adjust the timing belt.

Or live with the noise, and hope it doesnt effect the belts longevity...

**absolutegtr** · 02-08-2008 02:56 PM

When I did my timing belt I too had MUCH difficulty putting the belt on (very tight), and that was before adjusting the tensioner!

Maybe a faulty bearing in that idler roller or some other part (like water pump)

**A4TL** · 02-08-2008 03:30 PM

too tight will wear out all the bearings; get it right or you'll seize something up and be in sad shape!

**Hotel Guy** · 02-08-2008 05:00 PM

Thanks guys. Ill have it fixed ASAP. The mechanic is probably gonna have to take off the whole bumper and go through the majority of the process again right? I hope he doesnt expect me to pay considering the job wasnt done right...

**dreamthief415** · 02-11-2008 10:51 AM

Last time I changed my water pump and timing belt, I heard a humming noise too. My problem was my turbo. There should be an elbow shaped hose above your engine that they most likely cut in the process. They should just replace it and then insulate it. If your belt was too tight, no worries, it'll quiet down soon. Some folks seem to like the turbo humming sound. Sounded badass to me but I knew it wasn't supposed to be that way so I got it fixed.