A: If the noise eventually goes away it’s likely not being caused by the water pump. It’s more likely that the belt is slipping. Usually when a tight belt slips, it’s because the belt is damaged or glazed. The belt can become glazed from operating it in a loose condition whereby it slips, causing the rubber to get extremely hot.
When you first start up a car, the alternator needs to charge the battery back up and creates a significant increase in load on the belt. Once the battery’s voltage level increases, the load on the belt decreases. A properly installed quality drive belt should solve your woes.
Q: I own a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country. I have two questions. First, the holes at the bottom of my door are taped shut. A friend of mine told me they should be open to drain water out. The dealer told me that they should be sealed to keep dirt out. Which answer is correct?Also, the right-side power sliding door powers open only a small amount and needs to be completely opened manually. It also won’t power close all the way and requires closing manually. What could be causing this? – D.S., Merrillville, Ind.
A: The holes at the bottom of your door may appear to be taped shut, but if there’s no water sloshing around inside the door when you open and close it, leave the drains alone. The door drains might have rubber pieces that allow water to drain while keeping dirt/debris out. If, however, you’ve got water inside the door the drains could be clogged.
As for your power sliding door, it might need adjusting. Take it back to the dealer and have it inspected. If the adjustment is good, it might need a new power sliding door motor.
Q: I own a 2002 Chevy Prizm. When should I replace the timing chain in my vehicle? – A.L., East Hazelcrest
A: There is no recommended replacement interval for the timing chain in your Prizm. If your Prizm’s engine used a rubber timing belt instead of a metal chain, it would have a replacement interval. Timing chains last much longer than timing belts. If you change your engine’s oil at the recommended intervals, it’s possible that the timing chain will never need replacement.
Ira Siegel is an automotive instructor and an automotive service excellence-certified master auto technician. If you have auto-related questions for Siegel, you can leave queries at the Auto Adviser hotline, (708) 633-6839, or e-mail a question to autoadvisr@aol.com.
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