Please help identify.

bgyako · 10-07-2015, 02:43 PM

Hi All,

Recently started hearing a faint grinding noise coming from the front near the alternator. Followed mechanics advise and internet search, and replace the pulley tensioner. It improved, but still hear it a little. Alternator is putting out correct voltage as well. It seems to be coming from the area in the picture below, can you guys help identify what part this is, and is there some sort of pump inside for coolant.

bgyako · 10-07-2015, 04:02 PM

I'm a complete idiot, never did an oil change myself on this car.
That if anyone is wondering is an oil filter.

Judge Dredd · 10-07-2015, 10:49 PM

LOL

kkasson · 10-08-2015, 02:30 AM

Did you just replace the tensioner? You might also want to check the idler pulley for noise if you haven't replaced that one. It's bolted to the alternator...not the alternator pulley itself, but the one below it. Take the belt off and spin the pulley and see if it makes noise.

Phil325i · 10-08-2015, 04:28 AM

Don't be hard on yourself OP. I have a rhythmic noise (I think it's HPFP) but with a stethoscope you'd swear it was coming from the oil filter housing! I think that casting must act as a conduit for engine noise generally...

bgyako · 10-08-2015, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkasson

Did you just replace the tensioner? You might also want to check the idler pulley for noise if you haven't replaced that one. It's bolted to the alternator...not the alternator pulley itself, but the one below it. Take the belt off and spin the pulley and see if it makes noise.

Spoke to mechanic, he actually replaced the idler pulley. He said the tensioner pulley is on the other side, so he is pretty certain it's not that.
What he suspects its the alternator, because the pulley on the alternator is attached to a rod, and the rod is attached inside alternator to bearings on the back side.
His suggestion is since alternator is properly charging leave it alone for now and bare with the noise.

10-07-2015, 02:43 PM	#1
bgyako New Member 4 Rep 18 Posts Drives: E90 dark grey Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Please help identify. Hi All, Recently started hearing a faint grinding noise coming from the front near the alternator. Followed mechanics advise and internet search, and replace the pulley tensioner. It improved, but still hear it a little. Alternator is putting out correct voltage as well. It seems to be coming from the area in the picture below, can you guys help identify what part this is, and is there some sort of pump inside for coolant.
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10-07-2015, 04:02 PM	#2
bgyako New Member 4 Rep 18 Posts Drives: E90 dark grey Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Answer found..... I'm a complete idiot, never did an oil change myself on this car. That if anyone is wondering is an oil filter.
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10-07-2015, 10:49 PM	#3
Judge Dredd Bayerische Motoren Werke 24 Rep 251 Posts Drives: recklessly Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	LOL
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10-08-2015, 02:30 AM	#4
kkasson Lieutenant 190 Rep 589 Posts Drives: 07 BMW 328i, 08 BMW 528i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Did you just replace the tensioner? You might also want to check the idler pulley for noise if you haven't replaced that one. It's bolted to the alternator...not the alternator pulley itself, but the one below it. Take the belt off and spin the pulley and see if it makes noise.
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10-08-2015, 04:28 AM	#5
Phil325i Brigadier General 645 Rep 3,227 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Don't be hard on yourself OP. I have a rhythmic noise (I think it's HPFP) but with a stethoscope you'd swear it was coming from the oil filter housing! I think that casting must act as a conduit for engine noise generally... __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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