Alternator belt shredded & rough idle

Stealthist80

Paid Member
Was driving away from filling up yesterday and suddenly heard what sounded like a twig/branch stuck under wheel arch. Noise stopped and drove on only to realise the idle was really rough and the low rpm flat spot seemed massively worse.

Checked under car and bonnet and found strips of what was the alternator belt. Seems to have sheared off about 1/3 of the belt. The belt and tensioner pulley were changed less than 2 months ago. Car runs, rough idle which seems to pulse but ok from 3k rpm. Although the fuelling seems out with loss of power etc. Any idea what the might have caused this as can't think that would affect fuelling?

Also will I be ok to drive car to the garage 20 mins away? Got home fine but worried I might damage the engine.

Attached a pic of the remaining 2/3 of the belt.

French cars. Nightmare!
 

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I think bring it somewhere different get the timing checked and new AUX belt done by Renault specialist if your wheel arch plastics are damaged or missing or the undertray as well then get them replaced of fixed they stop stones, sticks getting under the belt could be opportunity to get the timing belt changed to make the work worth while. A leak down test would be handy just in case the valves got damaged but not strictly necessary unless the timing has a problem.
 
I think bring it somewhere different get the timing checked and new AUX belt done by Renault specialist if your wheel arch plastics are damaged or missing or the undertray as well then get them replaced of fixed they stop stones, sticks getting under the belt could be opportunity to get the timing belt changed to make the work worth while. A leak down test would be handy just in case the valves got damaged but not strictly necessary unless the timing has a problem.
Thanks dude, wheel arch plastics are fine. It was the remains of the belt causing the noise. Will it be fine to drive to a specialist though?
 
"belt and tensioner pulley were changed less than 2 months ago", I wouldn't be taking it back there then!

Looks like belt has whipped about all over so make sure it hasn't damaged any electrics, as said I wouldnt drive it until timing has been checked. :dizzy:
 
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