Sqeal/Grind at startup

[mattdev]

Ok so I just got a '95 Talon TSi AWD. Whenever I start up there is a grinding or squeel sound, wich sounds like it possibly could be from the turbo, maybe?? I really don't know, I'm guessing. It is only for a split second, at the longest a whole second. It only does it when the engine is cold and will get better the warmer I startup. If it's already hot it won't do it. I don't have a clue what it could be.
On a similar note for the first minute I run my car, whenever i build any boost my turbo will whine fairly loud, much louder and lower pitched than its normal sound. Again I'm pretty much a noob, but I'm pretty sure it's not sposed to do that.

 

[eklypse]

hmm, check your Alt belt..i know mine does that because of my belt...

 

[kenamond]

This might not be it, but if it is, you need to know...

It might be your turbo failing. What you describe is similar to what mine did just before it failed (over about a week long period). My turbo sounded like a fire engine siren - because the turbine and compressor blades were rubbing on the housings (not supposed to do that).

You should pull the intake pipe off of the compressor housing of the turbo (with a cool motor). It's just a hose clamp. The intake pipe is an accordion-looking tapered rubber tube which runs between your air-filter-box/MAS and the turbo (if yours is upgraded, it might be metal). Reach into the turbo and grab the center of the compressor wheel and check for shaft play by wiggling it. Side-side play is normal (from the front of the car to the back of the car or toward the ground and toward the sky) if it's only a little; brand new turbos have a bit. In/out shaft play (from driver's side to passenger's side) should be *none*. If it wiggles a lot side-side or some in-out, your turbo may be on its last leg.

If that's the case, you need to park the car and rebuild, replace, or upgrade the turbo. When it fails, the oil supply to the turbo will most likely start spewing into your intake and/or exhaust at an amazing rate. You could easily drain quarts from your motor in a minute. You'll also send out a blinding smoke screen of blue-white smoke as your motor burns the oil up. If that happens, pull over immediately and have it towed, but I'd recommend parking it before that happens (again, if the shaft play test indicates a failing turbo).

Then you can be like the rest of us and do a turbo swap.

 

[romeen]

I agree with kenamond. When checking for shaft play also spin compressor wheel by hand to see if it spins freely. As he stated do it with cold motor, not only to keep from burning yourself but turbo housings may expand enough when warmed up to allow unhindered spinning consistent with what you are describing.

 

[mattdev]

When i bought the car I checked for shaft play and it didn't budge, it spins fine. Just a few days ago I had my intake off to clean it and checked the turbo again and there is no play at all and it spins freely. I hope its not bad, I'll be pissed if it is. I'll check again more thoroughly.

 

[mitsumissile]

Maybe you can check the starter

 

[mattdev]

Ya I just checked my turbo and there is absolutely no shaft play and it spins totally fine. I'm thinkin it could be my starter, is it on the tranny side or belt side, my friend said it doesn't sound like its from the turbo, but more the upper left side, but again, I'm a nub and don't know where the starter really is. To be honest...

 

[romeen]

It's under the intake manifold. Kind of a pain to access. Get the front end up and crawl under there. It's about the size of a bread basket. If you need more help with it let us know.

 

[greengoblin]

Did you have someone start the car for you while you listen for the noise to see where it's coming from?

 

[djjohns55]

I had this same exact problem with my eclipse and My starter dragging(not working)5 mins after coming from the grocery store.
QUICK TEST if your car is a manual push start it and see if it squeals if.

Hope that helps

 

[kmoore]

Is it like a "crackling" sound? Does it sound like if you crush an aluminum can? My car has done that ever since i got it. If thats the case I think that is the infamous "DSM start" and its normal.

 

[Myles Long]

Check all your accessory belts (pwr steering, alter, A/C.. .) first to see if they are tight to specifications. Often a loose, old or oily belt causes belt squeal at start up, especially in winter. I would do this before looking at the starter. Good luck.

 

[mattdev]

I'll check all these, I do kinda have reason to think its the starter because it takes about a second of cranking to turn over, its a little reluctant, I'll check out all the possibilities. Thanx, you guys rock my world...
Edit:
Ya I just rolled it down a hill and clutch started it, not a peep! So I'm 90% sure its my starter now, thanx for the help!!!!

 

[mitsumissile]

I am glad you found the problem.

 

[Defiant]

It's not your clutch. You have a blown harmonic balancer.