Coolant Leak Loud squeal
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 70
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From: San Mateo Ca
Coolant Leak Loud squeal
I have a 97 mn6 with 120k with a slow coolant leak. I havn't pressure tested the system yet but I thought it was the radiator and replaced it. I replaced a radiator on a friends 98 a4 with 123k and it ran just fine. I still have coolant around the front accessories and now am thinking a hose or water pump. It only gets low about once or twice a month and it is my daily driver. Oh yeah and one of the pully makes a loud squeal and I alredy replace the belt tensioner. Any advice
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 987
Likes: 1
From: Braidwood Il.
Your squeal is most likley coolant going onto the belt, so you must find the leak, repair it before you change the belt or the noise won't stop. And when the leak is gone(stopped) then replace the belt and the squeal should be gone too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,085
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From: Broken Arrow OK
Belt squeak does seem to be related to coolant leakage. I have had a recurring case of belt squeak for some time. Spraying the A/C belt with silicone spray causes it stop immediately but it returns after a few days. I also have a loss of coolant and have to add additional coolant about 2-3 times a year. Have wondered where the coolant was going to since there was never any leakage apparent under the car. I recently noticed that the area under the water pump was always damp, probably indicating shaft leakage. There was also some tan residue in the surrounding area. Apparently the coolant is getting on the A/C belt, causing the squeaking problem. However, I did find that a single drop of silicone oil, applied the A/C belt, completely stops the squeak for quite some time.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 548
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From: Pittsburgh PA
That loud squeak could be coming from the water pump bearings / pulley, couldn't it? It would also make sense if you see coolant around the front of the motor...(Which sounds like it could be coming from the water pump).
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,475
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From: Dyer, IN
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 70
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From: San Mateo Ca
fixed it. I was too lazy to pressure test it so I bought a radiator off a friend who upgraded and then put in hoses to find out it was the water pump. Now it is all basically brand new. I had a 160 thermostat in there before then I bought a delco 187 one now and my car runs inbetween 195-215 any input or advice? should I go back to 160?
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 11
From: Clovis CA
Sorry I didn't see this before the extra radiator!! My 98 is weeping a little coolant intermittenly too. Belt sqeeks then stops. Occasionally I have to put in more coolant.
So yup, waterpump.
Yes I'd go back to 160.
Let the naysaying begin.....
So yup, waterpump.
Yes I'd go back to 160.
Let the naysaying begin.....
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
I just had my mechanic look at my car starter problem. It's been fixed.
He noticed that the water pump was leaking but not enough to drip on the ground. There has been a squeaking sound from the belts for about 1 year. I only drive the car occassionally on the weekends ONLY. It sits in the garage.
He noticed that the water pump was leaking but not enough to drip on the ground. There has been a squeaking sound from the belts for about 1 year. I only drive the car occassionally on the weekends ONLY. It sits in the garage.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If the water pump is leaking, don't waste time in replacing it. It'll go downhill fast and you don't need to get stuck somewhere needing a new one like I did. Spent $750 at a remote dealer because I thought it would last a hair longer... learned my lesson the expensive way.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 11
From: Clovis CA
If the water pump is leaking, don't waste time in replacing it. It'll go downhill fast and you don't need to get stuck somewhere needing a new one like I did. Spent $750 at a remote dealer because I thought it would last a hair longer... learned my lesson the expensive way.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Coolant won't really hurt a belt, but it's often just one of those while-you're-in-there kind of things. It's a cheap part, and it's the same amount of labor to put in a new one as the old one.
