VW polo automatic - when it starts up it makes a horrible grinding sound. almost like a belt struggling.?

Question

the car still runs fine. any ideas of what this could be?

thanks

Answer 1

faulty startermotor or flywheel gear....

Answer 2

This could be the drive belt, it connects the gears to the engine, it could just have a bit of dirt on, but I would get it looked at in a garage just in case it is running thin, this could then snap and you have no gears :0

Answer 3

Check all of your fluids, especially the power steering fluid (if it has power steering) and the tension of the accessory belts. It could be low transmission fluid as well. But most likely it is a dry power steering pump or a loose belt.