Emergency Please Anyone!!!

[mitsubluetalon]

Hello all, okay today while driving my 92 TSI AWD, i started to notice a bad smell in my car. it almost smelled like burning rubber, or plastic. I came to a set of lights and noticed that when i turn the wheel either way it got really stiff as if there was little if any power steering at all, and when it got stiff turning, my dash lights would come on as if the car stalled.

The idle was at about 1000rpm while at a stop and did not waiver as i turned the wheel, but the dash lights flicker on and off corresponding with the wheel stiffness. I stopped and popped the hood and as soon as i did, i could see a faint whisp of bluish smoke coming through the crack on the left side of the hood, but i have been unable to determine for certain where it came from.

From my analysis i have determined that my power steering pump fluid is the appropriate levels and clean, my oil pressure and temp is normal, and my coolent temp is normal and level is good.

at this point i'm almost sure my power steering pump has kicked the can, but i need some reassurance that i haven't missed anything. another note to make and maybe unrelated is that my coolent temp is great, but my car does not heat up on the inside, at idle i get nuke warm air, but while driving it blows cold air, and the rad fan comes on normally at idle. i'm going to check thermostat tomorrow just to see if its stuck open or something.

I would appreciate any help in this matter as soon as possible.

Jason.

 

[majik2k5]

I'm about 99% sure this is a problem with your alternator and waterpump belt. It may have slipped off some, or is slowly being shredded. That'd be the burning rubber that you smell. When it slips or doesn't turn the alternator for some reason, then it will throw you a battery light. When the alternator isn't turned, neither is the waterpump, giving you a low coolant like and your brake light.

Go out and look at your alternator belt and see what you can see. I'm willing to bet that's your problem. Easy fix, too. You can pick one up for about $10.

 

[SexperT]

yup, i remember this, batery light flashes real quick plus the brake = alternator belt is trashed.

 

[mitsubluetalon]

Hey, alright, i went out today in the light and got a better view of whats going on, it seems that the belt is slipping around the water pump pulley, i tried to tighten it but it seems that the tension is maxed, belt is still a little loose. I also had a look at my alt belt and it is in pretty rough shape so i put on some new belts and problem solved!!!

I would like to thank you guys for helping my out once again. It was GREATLY appreciated.

jason.

 

[majik2k5]

Glad you got everything worked out. If you want, I have a picture I can show you on how to tighted that belt if there's no tension. Just make sure you didn't overtighten your belt.

 

[mitsubluetalon]

hey, i've got the technique on how to tighten the belt, but i was wondering if there is an accurate way of knowing how tight to make the belts. I was doing some research on my problem and i came across a few posts on people with problems in over tightening, or being too loose. The way i've heard to do it is to pull the belt on the longest side between pulley's one way and to tighten the belt until there is only a half inch of movement going either way......is this accurate?

Jason.

 

[majik2k5]

Yes sir, that's what I do anyways. I leave actually a little bit less than half an inch though when I put new belts on. The belts will stretch, and half an inch always caused belt squeal for me.