Can anyone tell what this noise is?

[KHCRTDI]

Hello, I did a timing belt change ( belt, idlers, tensioner, water pump) on my car and now when the car is running, it sounds strange like maybe a bearing in one of the rollers is going out, or maybe it’s the tensioner? Is anyone able to listen to the video and has any ideas on what is making that sound. I took the serp belt off also. Definitely from timing area. 2011 vw jetta sportwagen CJAA with 117k.

CJAA timing belt noise

youtube.com

Timing belt noise on CJAA TDI

youtube.com

 

[Windex]

noisy cam bearings

 

[KHCRTDI]

noisy cam bearings

What would be your fix if that’s the issue?

 

[Windex]

First thing I would ask is did the noise only start after the timing belt change?

If thats the case, I would check/retension the timing belt tensioner.

Also, how is / was the oil change history - any issues or gaps there?

 

[KHCRTDI]

So it sounded fine until timing belt change. I will start with the tensioner. I have heard people say the belt sounds “overtightened” (not in my case) I just wasn’t sure what that sounded like.

 

[Windex]

The noise is definitely cam bearings, try backing off the tensioner if it is outside the tension window.

 

[Mrrogers1]

The noise is definitely cam bearings, try backing off the tensioner if it is outside the tension window.

If the tensioner was set correctly (in the middle or no more than +/- 5mm) would the alternator pulley clutch or accessory tensioner be the next places to look?

 

[Windex]

Sure try it, but that noise sounds like cam bearings. Easy to check, take off the serp belt and run the car.

 

[Wilkins]

Interesting- Not hijacking this thread but that noise sounds very similar to what I hear from my engine. In my case the noise started before the timing belt change and might be slightly quieter since but is still there. My tensioner was spot on last I saw. I’ve probably run 50,000 km with the noise, waiting for it to get worse.
One of my thoughts was the noise came from the timing gears connecting the camshafts, which might be an indication of bad bearings.
@Windex is the solution to pull the cams and replace the bearings? At this point I might have to replace the gears as well.
The car has always had 507 oil at recommended intervals since new, except for a very short period immediately after I bought it when the non VW dealer I bought it from had put 504 oil in. That was changed out within the week.
I’m wondering if the issue could be related to water ingestion and excessive force on the camshaft trying to push a valve open. I had a couple of problems with water, which led to a tune…and then other stuff.

 

[Windex]

Replacing the bearings only would be ideal, assuming that the car in question has replaceable cam bearings. My 2005 BHW does, and it is common for them to score somewhat and need to be replaced. Hopefully (if replaceable separately) it is just the bearings and the cam journals (harder material) are still OK.