Straining noise coming from engine.

Hi everyone, and Merry Christmas.

This is the first time messaging on a forum but I need help. I bought my 57 plate Citroen C3 Airplay+ a couple of months ago from a private dealer on eBay and have started to have a few issues. The most recent, and concerning thing that's happened, is a loud 'straining' noise that comes when I'm driving. I first noticed it after a long drive from the Midlands down to Cornwall. No issues on the journey, but the next day after driving back to the hotel from a local village, the noise started. The best way to describe the noise is that it sounds like the engine is struggling and I need to change up a gear. Its most noticeable in 4th and 5th, when traveling upwards of 30mph and the pitch seems to increase with road speed. Changing between gears at a steady speed has no effect on the noise, and the noise is constant since it appeared and I feel like it is getting louder. I'm not aware of any event that happened that caused it, it just started.

Prior to this noise appearing, the other issues/things that have changed with the car are as follows:
- New tyres fitted the day before travelling to Cornwall (but the car was driving well and no problems afterwards and on the journey that I was aware of)
- Some rattling from I assume to be the exhaust when the engine vibrates at a certain frequency (about 1500 rpm)
- Squealing noise sometimes when pulling away (I assume is a belt or powered steering related, I'm not very good with car mechanics sorry). The noise isn't there when the car is stationary, it's mainly when I pull away, mostly after going from reverse into 1st, but not always. Usually the pitch/volume increases with engine speed to about 2,500-3,000 rpm and fades off. Its incredibly loud!
- Reverse can be a bit hard to find sometimes too and can often grind slightly before slipping into gear.
- The car also struggles to start when cold. I usually have to blip the throttle slightly to get it to turn over, otherwise it just cuts out and I have to start it again. Never happens if the engine is warm.

Seeing all that written down makes me realise I may have bought a nugget!

Any help on any of those issues would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks all!

Hello, welcome to the forum

LeeH95 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 29, 2020 3:11 pm The most recent, and concerning thing that's happened, is a loud 'straining' noise that comes when I'm driving.

LeeH95 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 29, 2020 3:11 pm The best way to describe the noise is that it sounds like the engine is struggling and I need to change up a gear. Its most noticeable in 4th and 5th, when traveling upwards of 30mph and the pitch seems to increase with road speed. Changing between gears at a steady speed has no effect on the noise, and the noise is constant since it appeared and I feel like it is getting louder.

You say it's an engine sound, but the noise changes with road speed, not engine speed.

It is easy to test if there is a hill near you. From the top of the hill while the car is moving, depress the clutch. The engine revs will drop to idle but the road speed will stay high. Note the sound change.

This can make a big difference to the diagnosis, road speed or engine speed dependent.

Changing between gears making no difference does indicate it is road speed dependent and for that you are looking at the drive train, particularly brakes and wheel bearings.

You should have the drive train inspected soon, brakes are particularly important to get sorted sooner. Wheel bearings, brakes and the general drivetrain inspection will be up in the air on ramps, so this is something for a garage to do.

LeeH95 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 29, 2020 3:11 pm Seeing all that written down makes me realise I may have bought a nugget!

You have to have the car inspected when buying privately to protect yourself from these problems.