My 2008 3.6 TDV8 has developed, very quickly, what sounds like a chirping “bearing” sound which gets louder as the engine warms up, but at the same time there is a very loud knocking sound coming from the front of the engine.

There is no loss of power, no smoke, and no engine fault codes.

The knocking is really loud, with the bearing type noise starting to become more of a squeal in the background. To me it sounds like something in the top end of the engine but I was wondering if it was likely to be something pulley or pump related.

If there was an internal problem, for example the knocking coming from within, would that give a bearing squeal?

It recently had the PAS pump replaced and has been alright for a while after that.

What’re people’s thoughts please? I know it’s not possible to diagnose on a forum usually, but part of my dilemma is whether it’s safe to take it to a local garage, or to get it recovered instead.

As you said, remote diagnosis can be difficult, as for the 'chirping' bearing, this needs investigating, maybe on one of the pulleys.

As for the knocking, I would not run the car till the fault has been found, this could lead to more damage, I would say in your case, that recovery would be a safer option. Sorry I can't be of more help.

The RAC had a look today - think it’s a pulley or tensioner so hopefully nothing too big.