Screech/wine

[Retiredroamer]

Hello
2018 Cali 150 DSG 29000 miles, not used everyday, not daily runner, last used Boxing Day 2025 and now this week just taken out for run down south coast.

When started I heard a screech/wine coming from engine area similar to the sound of a car starting with dodgy fan belt but my sound/screetch/wine is continuous.
It’s not that loud, I can hear it driving, hear it on acceleration but goes when I take foot off accelerated but when I brake the wine/screetch returns.

Vehicle has full service history, has had DSG oil changed, has had cam belt water pump changed 18 months ago. Before I take it to VW for diagnosis at a cost, any ideas ?

Thanks

 

[Perfectos]

My guess would be serpentine belt tensioner.

 

[Retiredroamer]

My guess would be serpentine belt tensioner.

That’s something I have to research. Squirt with WD40?

 

[Retiredroamer]

That’s something I have to research. Squirt with WD40?

Research indicates a match. Thank you, will book into my local garage.

 

[Perfectos]

Report back to help others pls

 

[sidepod]

At the risk of asking a stupid question, did you lift the bonnet and establish at least what part of the engine is making the noise?

 

[Retiredroamer]

Report back to help others pls

I will do, just driven from coast back home. Noise was consistent but all was well with engine/power/performance

 

[Retiredroamer]

At the risk of asking a stupid question, did you lift the bonnet and establish at least what part of the engine is making the noise?

Stupid question accepted, I did look under bonnet, looking from this position the noise is coming from the area of the offside of the vehicle engine bay and I think where the belts are under a cover on the side of the engine. Beyond my capabilities to even look under the cover so the cali will have to go in.

 

[Perfectos]

offside of the vehicle engine bay and I think where the belts are under a cover on the side of the engine.

You are correct that's where the auxiliary (serpentine) belt is located , belt tensioner and timing belt. Reside in the same area.

IMO: no question is a stupid question if you don't know the answer

Edit the early T6 had a workshop action to replace the timing belt cover with a different design to prevent the Auxiliary belt from destroying the timing belt under failure conditions.(I.e. a failed aux belt could destroy an engine in one go if the revised cover is not fitted).

The T6 aux belt tensioner is a known issue (T5 &T6 ) and again a workshop action. VW should not charge you for the Revised cover and belt tensioner if you have warranty, if no warranty expect either "good will" or a bill for parts and Labour -

Note: you could argue that if your vehicle has full VW history during its first three years the workshop actions should have been completed within that time under warranty! As was expected by VW of dealer during VW service regime

 

[Retiredroamer]

You are correct that's where the auxiliary (serpentine) belt is located , belt tensioner and timing belt. Reside in the same area.

IMO: no question is a stupid question if you don't know the answer

Edit the early T6 had a workshop action to replace the timing belt cover with a different design to prevent the Auxiliary belt from destroying the timing belt under failure conditions.(I.e. a failed aux belt could destroy an engine in one go if the revised cover is not fitted).

The T6 aux belt tensioner is a known issue (T5 &T6 ) and again a workshop action. VW should not charge you for the Revised cover and belt tensioner if you have warranty, if no warranty expect either "good will" or a bill for parts and Labour -

Note: you could argue that if your vehicle has full VW history during its first three years the workshop actions should have been completed within that time under warranty! As was expected by VW of dealer during VW service regime

Interesting, thank you. To my knowledge non of this work was done when I had the cambelt changed. I will have a chat with them

 

[Retiredroamer]

UPDATE

VW went into Van Centre yesterday and Van was diagnosed, requires alternator belt, Tensioner and new bolt for tensioner. Whilst poking around the technician found an oil leak from the belt side of the engine and diagnosed that the Crankshaft Oil Seal needs replacing.

So, although there was a previous Workshop Bulletin about the tensioner on the T6, they would not allow for any Goodwill as my vehicle is now 8 years old.

With regards to the Crankshaft Oil Seals, they reminded me that even had the vehicle been under some sort of warranty, Oil Seals are not part of such warranties. I have researched on here and other forums and it appears that these oil seals are a common failure. Be Aware.

And now the juicy bit, VW have waived the diagnostic fee and have quoted…..
£1457.76 for the Crankshaft Oil seals
£322.80 for the Tensioner,Belt and bolt.

The Customer Service Manager was a very nice polite person and stated they will speak with the manager to provide a best and final price. I await their email.

 

[Perfectos]

UPDATE

VW went into Van Centre yesterday and Van was diagnosed, requires alternator belt, Tensioner and new bolt for tensioner. Whilst poking around the technician found an oil leak from the belt side of the engine and diagnosed that the Crankshaft Oil Seal needs replacing.

So, although there was a previous Workshop Bulletin about the tensioner on the T6, they would not allow for any Goodwill as my vehicle is now 8 years old.

With regards to the Crankshaft Oil Seals, they reminded me that even had the vehicle been under some sort of warranty, Oil Seals are not part of such warranties. I have researched on here and other forums and it appears that these oil seals are a common failure. Be Aware.

And now the juicy bit, VW have waived the diagnostic fee and have quoted…..
£1457.76 for the Crankshaft Oil seals
£322.80 for the Tensioner,Belt and bolt.

The Customer Service Manager was a very nice polite person and stated they will speak with the manager to provide a best and final price. I await their email.

Oil seal is a known issue, VW updated the design to solve the issue with faulty seal!

Belt tensioner is a known issue and has been an issue since T5 !

Tensioner replacement should have been carried out by VW during service, if your van has full VW history?
If yes, I would be taking this up with VW direct (not the garage) as the garage who serviced your van did not follow VWs work shop action (I.e. replace the tensioner and Guard) !
Particularly as the consequence for the customer are a possible catastrophic engine failure due to a know VW issue ! (Why was this not done under a duty of care whilst within factory warranty, under service conditions ? )

Crank seal can be done at the time of the Timing belt if the leak is just a weep. ( I.e. it may be able to delay and do it cheaper later on )
Although getting the VW garage to tell you how bad the leak is will be the issue, they will want to relive you of as much money as possible (that's how they make a profit).

Thd best you can hood is that the Dealer offers done good will, which they should,
particularly if it was the that carried out the services previously?

An indi garage will be cheaper, bearing in mind none of tge items required are covered by VW guarantee.

Whilst writing & to assist others ,
I would add that the oil seal(s) one either side of the engine , is covered under the Factory Warranty, but excluded from all in !

Glad you got it diagnosed

 

[Oscarthebeddie]

Oil seal is a known issue, VW updated the design to solve the issue with faulty seal!

Belt tensioner is a known issue and has been an issue since T5 !

Tensioner replacement should have been carried out by VW during service, if your van has full VW history?
If yes, I would be taking this up with VW direct (not the garage) as the garage who serviced your van did not follow VWs work shop action (I.e. replace the tensioner and Guard) !
Particularly as the consequence for the customer are a possible catastrophic engine failure due to a know VW issue ! (Why was this not done under a duty of care whilst within factory warranty, under service conditions ? )

Crank seal can be done at the time of the Timing belt if the leak is just a weep. ( I.e. it may be able to delay and do it cheaper later on )
Although getting the VW garage to tell you how bad the leak is will be the issue, they will want to relive you of as much money as possible (that's how they make a profit).

Thd best you can hood is that the Dealer offers done good will, which they should,
particularly if it was the that carried out the services previously?

An indi garage will be cheaper, bearing in mind none of tge items required are covered by VW guarantee.

Whilst writing & to assist others ,
I would add that the oil seal(s) one either side of the engine , is covered under the Factory Warranty, but excluded from all in !

Glad you got it diagnosed

Does anyone have a picture of the new type timing belt guard, I have a full service history and the van has had a belt and tensioner change but no mention of a guard replacement, I think I really need to follow this one up as the potential for catastrophic failure is real.

 

[Perfectos]

Does anyone have a picture of the new type timing belt guard, I have a full service history and the van has had a belt and tensioner change but no mention of a guard replacement, I think I really need to follow this one up as the potential for catastrophic failure is real.

I do not , maybe try the T6 forum

 

[Perfectos]

I'll have quick look and post related threads

Timing Belt Cover

Does anyone know anything about a updated timing belt COVER and the part no. for my 2012 T5 called a "Robustness Kit" ?? They reckon If the serpentine belt breaks it goes through the oem cover and gets tangled it the timing belt. Tried a couple of dealers with no luck. Thanks

www.t6forum.com

Aux belt snapped

I heard some squeaking on startup this morning… booked in with the mechanic for a service and what I suspected was a squeaky aux belt… Driving home this evening and lost power steering and battery light came on. Had to battle on another couple of miles as I was on a smart motorway. Pulled off...

www.t6forum.com

Recall - belt tensioner

Had my first 20,000 service, apparently there was a recall on a belt tensioner, anyone else had this, she mentioned it was an overnight recall, no idea how true that is. Also, one for the mechanically minded... what is it?

www.t6forum.com

 

[Oscarthebeddie]

I'll have quick look and post related threads

Timing Belt Cover

Does anyone know anything about a updated timing belt COVER and the part no. for my 2012 T5 called a "Robustness Kit" ?? They reckon If the serpentine belt breaks it goes through the oem cover and gets tangled it the timing belt. Tried a couple of dealers with no luck. Thanks

www.t6forum.com

Aux belt snapped

I heard some squeaking on startup this morning… booked in with the mechanic for a service and what I suspected was a squeaky aux belt… Driving home this evening and lost power steering and battery light came on. Had to battle on another couple of miles as I was on a smart motorway. Pulled off...

www.t6forum.com

Thanks Perfectos, I appreciate your help

 

[Perfectos]

Thanks Perfectos, I appreciate your help

Brief look it may only be the early T6 affected ,
DYOR,

I was told by my dealer my 2018 T6 150 , had a new belt tensioner, belt and cover fitted Within the first year, due to a failing AUX Belt tensioner.

I had a second Aux belt when the alternator was replaced.

I have no paperwork to confirm otherwise as VW do not issue any for warranty work !

One way to confirm if you have the latest Cover is remove it and look at the part numbers cast into the plastic, including suffix, then look at the part currently available from parts suppliers.

 

[Oscarthebeddie]

Brief look it may only be the early T6 affected ,
DYOR,

I was told by my dealer my 2018 T6 150 , had a new belt tensioner, belt and cover fitted Within the first year, due to a failing AUX Belt tensioner.

I had a second Aux belt when the alternator was replaced.

I have no paperwork to confirm otherwise as VW do not issue any for warranty work !

One way to confirm if you have the latest Cover is remove it and look at the part numbers cast into the plastic, including suffix, then look at the part currently available from parts suppliers.

My cali is also 2018 T6 150, it waited the usual 4 years for the belt and tensioner which makes me even more suspicious that the casing will not have been changed so the van won't be moving until I've checked it out.
Thanks Perfectos for the heads up.

 

[Perfectos]

My cali is also 2018 T6 150, it waited the usual 4 years for the belt and tensioner which makes me even more suspicious that the casing will not have been changed so the van won't be moving until I've checked it out.
Thanks Perfectos for the heads up.

You can inspect the belt either from underneath or by removing the top section of the cover.

Fortunately Failure of the Aux belt causing catastrophic failure seems to be rare or rarely reported.

Pls Report back to help others.

Suggest you ask a dealer to confirm in writing whatever they tell you.
Why the VW franchise dealers don't just carry out the VW approved workshop actions are beyond me, after all that's why VW put them in place , to mop up all issues with in warranty vans during normal servicing regime, the dealer can claim the cost back from VW, so the only person loosing out is the customer.

 

[Perfectos]

One from the VW Guru, regarding work shop action , where he says "it should have been done "

Steering failure.

Hi All, Returned yesterday from a 4,200 mile trip to Croatia and back via a wedding in Ile d’Oleron, west coast of France. Today steering failed 100 yards from home so using Popeye arms got van home. I’ve read a few previous threads, such as...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Perfectos]

Recall - belt tensioner

oh look, finally some 'positive' news for us Euro6 folk.

www.t6forum.com

From post# 56

"Someone else on here had a T6 that ate through aux belts. Dealer changed pulleys and stuff after belt number two was dispatched after a few thousand miles.
Losing the aux belt can be disastrous on the earlier 2.0 CR diesels because the belt can be ingested into the timing belt compartment and cause the timing belt to slip or snap. VW redesigned the timing belt cover to prevent this."