Squeal from the engine bay
A squeal under the bonnet usually comes from the auxiliary drive belt: worn or loose, or a tired tensioner or idler pulley. Sometimes it is the alternator bearing. Say when it squeals: on start-up, when cold, when turning the wheel or all the time.
- Free for drivers
- No obligation
- The workshop sets the price
Services that help
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Timing belt replacement
A timing belt job normally includes the tensioner and idler pulleys, often the water pump as well.
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Starter and alternator repair
A bad starter shows as a click or slow cranking, a failing alternator as the battery light on the dash and a battery that drains while driving.
The workshop names the exact cause after looking at the car.
How it works
- 01
Describe the fault
Plate, symptom and location. Takes a minute.
- 02
Workshops reply
Workshops with free time offer a slot and a "from" price.
- 03
Choose and drive in
You pick the offer that suits you. After the repair you leave a review.
Find a workshop in your city
Other symptoms
- Car will not start
- Battery keeps going flat
- Timing belt is due
- Check engine light is on
- Warning lights on the dashboard
- Brakes squeal
- Brakes feel weak, pedal sinks
- Steering wheel shakes when braking
- Car pulls to one side
- Knocking over bumps
- Heavy steering
- Air conditioning does not cool
- Heater does not warm up
- Engine overheats
- Coolant leak
- Oil leak
- Oil pressure light is on
- Smoke from the exhaust
- Loud exhaust
- Loss of power, limp mode
- DPF warning light is on
- Engine misfires, rough idle
- Engine stalls while driving
- High fuel consumption
- Clutch slips
- Gears will not engage
- Automatic gearbox jerks
- Service is due
- Inspection coming up
- Failed the inspection
- Flat or punctured tyre
- Seasonal tyre change
- A light does not work
- Headlights dazzle oncoming traffic
- Crack or chip in the windscreen
- Accident damage or dent
- Rust on the body or underbody
- Electrical fault: windows, locks, lights
- Hybrid or EV fault message
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a squealing belt?
For a short while, yes, but if it snaps you lose charging and often power steering and the water pump. If the battery light comes on or the temperature climbs, pull over and do not carry on.
Is it the timing belt?
Usually not. The timing belt sits behind a cover and rarely squeals. The auxiliary belt is far more common, but a workshop will look at both if the timing belt is close to its interval.
How much does it cost?
The workshop sets the price. The offer shows the workshop's "from" price; the final price is clear once the car has been looked at. Remondikoda does not set or suggest prices.
Who chooses the workshop?
You do. You see offers with time, price and reviews and choose yourself. Remondikoda does not assign workshops.