Saxo VTR Whining/Whirring noise that won't fix. Help!

1. A4Ron Newbie Joined: May 2013 Bristol Posts: 5 2002 Subaru Impreza STI Prodrive, 1997 Toyota MR2

   #1 6th November 2013, 19:58

   Hi all,
   
   About three weeks ago my '03 Saxo VTR developed the infamous whirring noise from the front as well as the rear axle going (but that's another story).
   
   Strangely, the whirring noise only comes on when the car is fully warmed up, when travelling between 40-65mph, and when the clutch is fully depressed. It also comes on when the accelerator is pressed just a couple of mm. Other than that, it doesn't do it.
   
   I took it to my local garage immediately, who sent the gearbox off to their 'specialist' for an overhaul, they tested it okay, and then they fitted a new near-side Driveshaft. They asked if I wanted a new clutch fitted but I informed them it had a new clutch 18 months ago, to which they said "Okay", not advising me if I should have one anyway or not. So we didn't bother with a new clutch.
   
   £800 later and the car is still making the same noises?! I feel a bit hard done by and in a very awkward position.
   
   If it's not the gearbox or driveshaft then what could it be? And why didn't this garage pick up on it?
   
   Cheers
2. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

   #2 6th November 2013, 20:13

   Not the alternator bearing? Mines fucked and it was more or less as you described it.
3. A4Ron Newbie Joined: May 2013 Bristol Posts: 5 2002 Subaru Impreza STI Prodrive, 1997 Toyota MR2

   #3 6th November 2013, 20:24

   Thanks for the reply and I genuinely have no idea what it is?
   
   I thought the garage should've picked up on exactly what it is and fixed it. Maybe I should've said Yes when they said if I wanted a new clutch fitted (clutch release bearing?) and that may have solved it. But who was I to know at the time...
   
   Can anyone recommend a Saxo expert mechanic/garage in the Bristol area?
   
   As whilst I should take it back to the garage for them to sort what they should've in the first place, I can't be bothered dealing with them again and keeping my car for over a week with no offer of a courtesy car!
   
   Much appreciated
4. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

   #4 6th November 2013, 20:27

   There was a geezer who lives in the Bristol area who used to be a citroen mechanic when saxos were new. I can't remember his name but if you look through the Newbie threads you might find his name.
5. ccr89 Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2007 Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 130 Mk1 Silver Vtr

   #5 6th November 2013, 20:43

   So did you ask them to diagnose and cure the whirring noise when you approached them?
   
   They still haven't fixed that issue so how on earth have they got £800 out of you? A driveshaft being fitted doesn't cost much and the gearbox check was needless if it all checked out ok so surely you shouldn't be charged for that if it wasn't the issue. (Thats there mistake not yours)
   
   I think you really need to go back and kick up a fuss as on the face of it that sounds outrageous.
6. A4Ron Newbie Joined: May 2013 Bristol Posts: 5 2002 Subaru Impreza STI Prodrive, 1997 Toyota MR2

   #6 7th November 2013, 15:06

   Yep, when I took it in there in the first place I described in great detail what the noise was and when it was doing it. Three days later they gave me a call telling me what they had done and how much it was going to cost. I thought it was rather steep but when they said they had "fixed the problem and it's all fine now" I thought hey-ho. But then the next day as soon as I got it over 40mph again, the noise came back.
   
   It will be going straight back to 'em on Monday and after I get the car back I won't be touching them with a barge-pole. They'll probably take the pi$$ this time and keep the car for another whole week...
7. A4Ron Newbie Joined: May 2013 Bristol Posts: 5 2002 Subaru Impreza STI Prodrive, 1997 Toyota MR2

   #7 7th November 2013, 15:09

   I've also done a lot of research on this noise. As well as clutch release bearing, the CV joint has been mentioned?
8. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #8 7th November 2013, 15:10

   Jesus you were had there mate £800,you could`ve bought another saxo for that.
9. ccr89 Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2007 Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 130 Mk1 Silver Vtr

   #9 7th November 2013, 22:13

   Yeh I'd approach them basically saying you've paid £800 for work which you didnt request them to do, you requested work that would cure the issue which they failed to do and they should sort it with no further charge, as stevo67 mentioned you could buy another decent saxo for £800.
   
   Not 100% sure what the noise could be, they seem to have ruled out gearbox and I'd assume driveshafts if they have changed one of them, (you'd assume they'd have checked the other side to see if that one was ok aswell)
   
   Only other thing I can think of is maybe alternator bearing? I have a whirring noise once the car is warmed up with some of the same symtoms. On mine I believe its from an overtightened alternator belt which is putting strain on the alternator bearing, I've got it booked in next week with citroen for a new alternator belt change so hoping it will stop after that.
   
   good luck with it anyway
10. A4Ron Newbie Joined: May 2013 Bristol Posts: 5 2002 Subaru Impreza STI Prodrive, 1997 Toyota MR2

    #10 8th November 2013, 11:17

    Ah okay, thanks for the reply