Hello everyone. I'm new here and new to Ford's in general, and I've encountered an issue in the form of an unusual noise with my new-to-me 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.4 tdci 70 with 84k on the clock. 

When pulling off under load like hill starts or just in general I have encountered a short screech similar to that of a squeally auxilery belt. This then resurfaces when changing gears fast like when on a slip road etc. This is between all gears 1-5. It also only occurs for a split second. 

What is unusual however, is I encounter this whether the engine is hot or cold, and whether the alternator is under heavy load like when the AC is running etc. Which makes me think it's not belt related despite the belt observations noted below. 

Most importantly, it only happens under load when the clutch is being used with the throttle simultaneously. Never any other time like revving the engine freely in neutral even with all the electrics running. 

My concern is this is clutch related. 

I have a video with audio but I cannot attach this format of media unfortunately but it shows the short screeches when changing gear under load.

Let me know if you have any advice or ideas? It's worth noting the aux belt does have a few visible cracks along the ridged side with a few metal shavings between them that can be noticed when shining a torch in the engine bay.

I'm hoping to learn anything I can from this post before visiting the garage tomorrow. 

Thanks in advance! 

12.55pm edit: I just wanted to add the clutch operates perfectly fine and is smooth and shows no signs of slipping. The car drives absolutely fine apart from this noise. 

12.58pm edit: the noise can also be easily reproduced while in gear by engaging the clutch and then putting high-ish revs on and then releasing the clutch pedal. 

Try taking a video, upload it to YouTube, & post a link on here.

It's impossible to identify a sound without hearing it!

Just now, Alan G H said:

It's impossible to identify a sound without hearing it!

You're absolutely right, but I'm going to have a guess anyway 🤣

2011 model with 84k on the clock. - It needs a new auxiliary drive belt fitting !!

No problem and totally understandable. I don't have YouTube but I have posted a video of it over on Reddit to no avail on r/fordfiesta. Here is the link! 

https://www.reddit.com/r/FordFiesta/s/x5D4Rig3xQ

Second guess:

Clutch release bearing on it's way out.

3 minutes ago, unofix said:

Second guess:

Clutch release bearing on it's way out.

That's my concern. It's from an independent garage so if there's more chance of it being clutch related I'll be going back as it came with a 6 month warranty with the exception of the timing belt failing as this is overdue so they knocked a couple hundred off the list price as part of the deal. Only had it 4 weeks and it's been great up till now.

Update: the Evolution Warranty sold with the car does not cover clutch friction material, burnt or worn out clutch components (so I'm assuming this includes the release bearing), or the auxilery belt. Bit useless then isn't it! 

Will be taking it to the garage for belts regardless but any other input will be very much appreciated if anyone can suss out and potential causes based on that short video I linked. 

Thanks to the commenters so far. 

Legally you can challenge this through consumer rights instead of warranty.

Aftermarket warranty is often useless.  It's just a gimmick to make car traders appear more appealing and trustworthy.

 

I also initially thought it was going to be belt squeal, but having seen the video it could be released bearing instead.

31 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Legally you can challenge this through consumer rights instead of warranty.

I've emailed the dealer this afternoon for their input so hopefully they will be more helpful then not. 

31 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

I also initially thought it was going to be belt squeal, but having seen the video it could be released bearing instead.

Bloomin' hope not!

Thanks for the insight Tom.