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peteekp
19-02-2010, 06:30 PM
I was out driving yesterday, and after about 3-4 miles, I lost power steering (it became heavy). I looked down, and saw that the alternator light was also on. After about 5 seconds, power steering came back, and the alternator light went out. The same thing happened about 4 minutes later, again for about 5 seconds. The rest of the 30 mile journey was fine. As it was raining hard, I didn't bother looking for too long.

Today, there is a squealing noise from the belts, but no loss of power steering or alternator light. The belts all seem reasonably tight and in reasonable condition.

My mechanic had a look a few months ago when I mentioned that there was a bit of belt squeal, and said that it was nothing to worry about as they do that all the time, and the belts looked fine, and squirted a bit of WD40 somewhere (I didn't ask where) and it was fine until now. He works on a lot of Passats/Octavias for a taxi company.

What's the problem likely to be or what should I be checking - is something about to seize, are the tensioners on their way out, or something else?!?

Cheers,

Pete

kenney
19-02-2010, 06:51 PM
I think i would have a good look at the tensioner,one other possibility is the alternator freewheel pulley although i have never experienced those symptoms due to a failing pulley,and make sure there is no oil on the belt

martin1810
19-02-2010, 07:12 PM
Water can get on belts and make them slip which leads to loss of power steering and alternator light coming on. I would replace the belts as this is worse as they age and harden.