Does anyone know what this is?

Hi Guys, I'm new to the forum so hello to all! I need help with the following (if possible please?) When starting my 1999 C4 996 after being left out at the station all day I get a squealing sound just after the engine fires (This doesn�t happen if the car is left in the garage)� This has happened consistently now over the last two days and it sounds like a slipping belt. If you stop the car and then start it again the sound doesn�t happen. I also get a squealing sound when reversing under load (up hill) with full lock I recorded a sample of the squeal which you can get here: homepages (dot) nildram (dot) co (dot) uk/~mhyoung/Audio/SquealWhenStarting (dot) wav Please change the (dot) for a "." (being my first post it wouldn't let me post a link) If anyone has any ideas, please share. PS I've tried the usual spray of WD40 etc without ahy success.

id guess the first noise is the starter and the second id say is normal, reversing up hill at full lock is going to make noise

Hmmm........I wonder where Tim is????

This noise has only jist started so I cannot see how that makes it normal. Are you saying that the starter motor could be making this noise? If so, is it time for a replacement?

Firehawk, I think he is refering to the second noise after the start. It does not sound normal to me (my cars have never made that sound). However, in your position you would know better than I would if this indeed "normal".

What did you spray wd40 on?

Here is the corrected link in case anyone else wants to give it a listen. http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~mhyo...enStarting.wav

Thanks Ray for sorting out the link... I sprayed WD40 on the belt thinking it might be slipping when starting... And you're right I'm referring to the squealing sound after the engine has started.

hmmmmmmm sounds like something is being killed for less then a second........

I've posted this on PistonHeads and a couple of lads have said it might be the starter motor... Has anyone else experienced this? Is it a big/expensive job to change the starter motor

i cant play the sound, but generally a squal after start it the starer not releasing makes a whirrrrrring noise but any time you are at full look you will get pump noise now your going to to revrse up a hill at full lock i can imagine its going to make some noise. ive never tried it but................im guessin the car is a tip

The car is a manual... Have you tried the link posted by Ray S (above)?

Sounds like a belt momentarily slipping to me.

It's not the belt. Had the noise before and after I replaced the belt and rollers I have that same noise about 1 out of 20 starts. I would also say the starter is the problem. It's been that way for months and no ill effect yet. I'll have the warranty take care of it when I get time to take it in.

Either that or he is killing the cats that keep jumping inside the engine compartment.

no animals where hurt during the recording Thanks for the help... I'm just hoping it's nothing too drastic! It's happening everytime now I start the engine... I'm drawing attention to myself for all the wrong reasons!

If all else fails, take it in to your mechanic. Let us know what you find out.

i would say the starter

I agree. It sounds as if the starter bendix is not retracting quickly enough after starting the engine. It sounds like a gnashing of teeth between the starter and the flywheel. It doesn't happen as the starter is engaged and begins to turn the engine, but rather when the engine is started the starter is trying to disengage. That's my GUESS.

Check your power steering fluid. Chances are that it is low. The squeal/howel that you hear that only happens at startup is characteristic of this condition. The mineral oil based PS fluid that Porsche, VW, Audi and other german makes uses, can evaporate over time, especially if the car is not used much.

Thanks again for your views guys... The dealership has agreed to sort out all the issues (he believes it's the starter motor) including the power steering noise as well. I will let you know for sure as I'm sure someone else will come up again for someone!

How cold is it? I think the noise is normal and relates to the secondary air pump. My car does it when it's cold (i.e. left outside) instead of in the garage. Bring it somewhere warmer and the noise will stop.