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Astra TDS - NickS
my 97R astra had its cambelt changed 3k ago, but when engine is cold it occasionaly makes a whining noise, only for a short period when engine is at tickover but sounds like cambelt slipping but shouldnt be should it?!also how easy is it to fit reversing light switch as mine is dodgy!
Astra TDS - madf
It could most likely be the auxiliary belt driving the alternator. Most likely to slip when engine is cold .
madf
Astra TDS - NickS
costly to replace?
Astra TDS - IanT
Describing engine noises is very subjective, but in my opinion:

1. A slipping auxiliary/alternator belt is more like a screech than a whine. It should get worse when the electrics are under load - try switching lights etc on/off to see if it makes a difference to the noise. It can also be worse when the engine is cold because the alternator may be trying to bring a slightly discharged battery up to full charge.

2. Cambelts don't slip. It's just possible for a cambelt to jump a notch once. If it jumped a notch twice, you've probably got a ruined engine.

3. A loose cambelt (which is thinking about jumping a notch) might make a flapping noise.

4. If you decide it really is the auxiliary belt, examine it for visible damage. If no visible damage, try tightening it - not replacing it.

5. If tightening it makes things worse, it could be the alternator bearing at fault.

Ian
Astra TDS - wemyss
Had the cambelt changed on my wife's diesel Maestro a couple of years ago and that also was noisy with a whining noise as you describe. (And if you could hear that above the Perkins engine it had to be some noise!)
Took the small inspection cover off and the belt was as tight as a drum.
Rover dealer agreed and readjusted the belt and the noise had gone.
The book says if the belt is too tight it will take 50% off its life!.
alvin
Astra TDS - Dave_TD
Had the same thing on a Cavalier about 10 years back, after changng the timing belt the engine made a "whine" a little like aa supercharger. Found the belt was far too tight and was resonating on its longest run.
You should find some specs somewhere for the exact recommended belt deflection on its longest run, take it back and point it out before you do have the belt go...
Astra TDS - RichardP
Did they also change the cambelt tensioner roller? Sometimes the bearings on the rollers can get quite noisy and make a whining or squealing noise. If the cambelt is overtightened, it can lead to the bearing being damaged.