Hi all, have a 2001 360 Spider - i have had it for 8 months now and it had the belts done before I took over ownership (seen all receipts). I have always noticed what sounds like a belt noise, it doesn’t sound wrong as such, but is it normal for me to be able to hear at least one of the belts moving around doing it’s thing? I really only drive with the roof down so this could be the reason I am more aware of it. It’s like a whirring/chirping sound and I don’t hear it all the time. Anyone experience anything similar? thanks
Ryan: I have a 2003 360 Spider. I don’t notice any sound that I would identify as a belt sound. I would suggest you take the car to a good 360/mechanic and have them listen to it. Or, join your local chapter of the FCA and see for yourself what other 360s sound like. Good luck!
Thanks Bob. I’m going to try and pinpoint the exact conditions in which I hear this sound and get it looked at. It could be wind noise for all I know but I doubt it.
Why not just remove your access cover behind your seats? You will get a better idea of exactly which belt it is
I wouldn't be surprised if this was the case to be honest, I am a worry wart when it comes to this car!!
Chirping? It could be one of the belt idler bearings. Easily fixed by independent shop for about $150 or at a Ferrari dealership for about $6,000. LOL
That is not fair. It depends on the idler bearing. If it is the timing belt tensioner bearing then it is expensive. If it is one of the smaller anti-skip bearings then it is just a couple hundred bucks. Getting to the access panel is 50% the work.
The serpentine, AC, and PS belts have an odd way of having their tension being measured. You may just have a loose belt.
Belt tension is measured by listening to the frequency of the belt when you pluck it at a specific point. I used the app by Gates called Carbon Drive on my phone. I had to remove my alternator belt when changing headers. I used the app to measure the frequency before removing the belt, which was within specifications, then re-installed to the same frequency.
It’s not so much a chirping or a squealing, but more of a frequent whooshing/wind sound. Doesn’t happen at idle. Will get my Mrs to try and film/record it next time. Next service due in May, might bring it forward a month or so.
if the belts are too tight they can make some noise especially when cold. if they are too loose they can squeak until the belt warms up or under hard acceleration. Below are the specs from the service manual section A 3.04 Alt belt 90 - 100 Hz adjustment is from under the car. AC belt 131 - 145 Hz Power Steering pump belt 90 - 100 Hz
Those specifications are incorrect, and will lead to the P/S belt being too loose. It will squeal badly when the car is cold. Ferrari revised the belt tension in the 360 CS manual. The correct tension for the P/S belt is 216Hz Brian Brown San Francisco Motorsports
Is the alternator spec correct at 90-100 Hz? I measured mine before I removed it and it was around 95 Hz. The belt was last serviced a year before by Ferrari dealership and has about 1500 km on it
Brian - thanks for the update - I will make a note of this and keep it with my other updates as I learn more.
Okay so after a few drives this weekend I think I’m hearing two different things. When stopped at the lights I think I can hear what is definitely one of the belts. Sort of comes and goes but can be heard at idle doing it’s thing. Might need to be tightened. The other sound which is what I was trying to describe in the OP is more of a subtle clicking which is easier to hear when car is under throttle and warmed up. Almost sounds like when you stuck sports cards on your bicycle spokes as a child, but not as loud as that. I’m not getting any CEL’s, and the car is driving fine. Think I’ll bring the May service ahead to March.
Early 360 models the drivers side timing belt hydraulic tensioner has been revise do to failure coming loose from the bracket causing the noise you describe !!
hmmm...the tensioners were replaced in May. Thanks for the reply mate - think it’s best I get it looked at, will keep his thread updated.
Yes, alternator spec is correct at 90-100Hz. But those specs are for brand new belts. The tension on a used belt will usually be less. I am surprised that your belt was still at 95Hz. If I have to reinstall a used belt, I check the tension first and then reinstall it to the same tension, unless it is way off of the specification. Brian Brown San Francisco Motorsports
Yes that is what I did, measured before removal then rei-nstalled to the same tension. I would be surprised if the tension was off since new belts only had 1500km, about 900 miles on them
Hi guys. I notest the same problem on my 2004 360 spider. after replacing the heat exchanger and the water pump i start hearing this Chirping noice from the belt. I checked over and over definitely are not the belt. Servive was done 2 years ago including timing belts. Could be the ac compressor? The noice only happens whe the car is on idle. Any Thoughts anybody?