peogeot 306 meridian engine whining noise?

[howis]

Hello, I am desperately seeking some advice about my 2001 meridian estate.
I have had nothing but problems with it over the past 4 months having both sets of brakes replaced (1 set had to be replaced twice within 2 months) which has cost me over £800, thought that would be the end of it but just had MOT today which cost £250, (brake hose, lights and other bits and pieces) was really annoyed at how much costing then mechanic said that he is really worried about a whining noise coming from the engine??? When i asked what he thought it might be said could be anything but should get it looked at which would probably be a couple of hours labour! That's before they fix it!!! I am fed up paying money out for the car but am worried it might be serious?? Just don't know if the garage are taking the p**s and just enjoying taking my money!!! but really can't afford to spend any more on it! Any help or suggestions of what it might be would be great thanks!!!

[JazzJPH]

The same garage did one set of brakes twice? And charged you both times?

And brake hose, lights & bits n pieces cost £250 ?

For a 306, which is one of the cheapest cars to maintain, yes you are being ripped off.

Why did you have to get one set of brakes done twice?

And why haven't you taken it to another garage for a second opinion?

Describe the whining noise

[howis]

Had one set of brakes done at a different garage, then the other set went so took it to the garage that I use for my MOT's they replaced them, about a month later the brakes went again when i took it back to them they said that the callipers had gone causing the second fault and therefore not their problem? so I paid over £300 agin to get them replaced! That was about a month ago.

It went for MOT with them today and had brake pipe, brake hose, brake fluid, bulb and cv gater kit done, with labour cost £240.41.
When went to get it they mentioned the noise and pulled lots of ooohhhh it's dangerous faces but wouldn't give me a worst case estimate said would need to look at it again which might take about 2 hours (@ £40 per hour labour) to find out what the problem is.

The noise is a constant high pitched whine not really loud but without radio on you can hear it, garage went on about bearings and other things that i can't remember.
I know I should have got a second opinion but was desperate to get car back, not going to be that stupid again!! Sorry not very good at describing noise!

[JazzJPH]

Does the whine occur whilst engine is idling but the car is still? Or just on the road?

They've done you on the brakes like. Should have checked with another garage because these garages thrive off blind faith and those desperate for their motor back!!

Anyway:

Gaiter kit - £5 ebay
brake pipe - £10 for a 25 foot long rool
Brake hose - £10 for 2
Brake Fluid - £7 for full bottle

Not sure which bulb but lets say £10 in case it's an awesome bulb.

so £42 for parts

the other £200... ?? Labour??

Mate, play hell. Of course you'd maybe wanna wait for confirmation of my information by another member of the forums.

Brake pipes cost nothing, but the labour is a bit, but not loads, definitely not enough to be a big part of the £200 they charged you.

[howis]

Thanks! Not going to be so stupid in future!!

The noise is there all the time whether idling or driving? It's fairly high pitched sort or whiring?

Am annoyed at myself because I know garages do rip you off and have repaired all my previous cars with the help of my brother-in-law but he doesn't know anything about this make of car so have been relying on the garage, big mistake!! So am taking charge and trying to fix this problem myself!! well with a bit of help from you?

[JazzJPH]

Yeah mate I'll help if I can, used to have a D Turbo 306 meself

Well if your bro-in-law is mechanically minded he shouldn't have a problem adapting to a 306. it's fairly straightforward except for certain parts that are riveted on rather than screws & bolts!

But none of the electrical-computery crap you get with 307's

tis sweet!