[jpsimon]

During cold starts my car makes a squeaky-belt sound. This happens only when the car is cold and only during the initial startup. I have 55k miles.

Has anyone else had this issue? A search came up with a couple people that had the same kind of issue, but with no resolution.



here's a video demonstrating said squeak. It's louder in person:

[enrita]

i have broke 2 of those belts because they were probably hitting the subframe (there is a recall about this) so check they are good because its a pain and you get stranded if it brake.
Did not notice any squeaking though.

[335iLI]

Originally Posted by enrita

i have broke 2 of those belts because they were probably hitting the subframe (there is a recall about this) so check they are good because its a pain and you get stranded if it brake.
Did not notice any squeaking though.

+1 there is a recall on the belt tensioner. My buddy had it replaced on his 135i.

[stratplaya06]

Subframe issue doesn't affect xi cars, so it's not that. Have you checked the condition of the belt/to see if anything might be leaking onto it?

[M-POWERED-]

I had this issue before, went to a dealer and they replaced belt as well as mechanical belt tensioner. It worked, the squeaky sound has gone. Also try cleaning the engine bay around belt area with special cleaner and pressure water. Hope this will help.

[jpsimon]

thanks, will do

[shifterboy45]

Originally Posted by m-power-

I had this issue before, went to a dealer and they replaced belt as well as mechanical belt tensioner. It worked, the squeaky sound has gone. Also try cleaning the engine bay around belt area with special cleaner and pressure water. Hope this will help.

at that mileage and your your part of the country (colder), i would put money that its the tensioner assy --

if i remember correctly there is are 2 deflection pulleys and a tensioner -- id replace them all. kinda hard to know which one is squeaking, or replace 'em one at a time til the noise goes away ---

[jpsimon]

here's a video demonstrating said squeak. It's louder in person:

[blisstik]

I know there are some spray you can use to alleviate the problem. I'm not sure how effective it is.

Worst case scenario, replace all belts and pulleys but that's just more expense.

[shifterboy45]

i wish i could play youtube to hear that noise -- but im behind a firewall ...

is it a chrip-chirp-chrip that slowly goes away as the engine warms up ??

[shifterboy45]

Originally Posted by blisstik

I know there are some spray you can use to alleviate the problem. I'm not sure how effective it is.

Worst case scenario, replace all belts and pulleys but that's just more expense.

some silicone spray and belt-glyde will take away the noise for a little bit -- it'll come back -- no doubt

[jpsimon]

Originally Posted by shifterboy45

i wish i could play youtube to hear that noise -- but im behind a firewall ...

is it a chrip-chirp-chrip that slowly goes away as the engine warms up ??

no it happens only when you start the car cold, right as you press the start button. about 1-2 second long.

[shifterboy45]

ill try to play on my phone real quick

[shifterboy45]

most of what is get (possibly 'cause its a phone) is the gong and electronic alerts going off..

better bet is if its eminating from under the hood wait til is nice and cold, and open the hood and record the noise to make sure.. thatll eliminate/or identify the area of concern.. if you cant hear it from under the hood, but you can in the cabin, then its something different

cheers!!

[jpsimon]

it's hard to hear listening on a phone, you'll hear it on a computer

[shifterboy45]

Originally Posted by jpsimon

it's hard to hear listening on a phone, you'll hear it on a computer

ill try it when i get home..

post back tomorrow

[syncro]

Originally Posted by shifterboy45

i wish i could play youtube to hear that noise -- but im behind a firewall ...

is it a chrip-chirp-chrip that slowly goes away as the engine warms up ??

Mine is doing that chirp chirp thing exactly as you described it, what is the cause of this???

[Herakles]

was it this? End vid, atoun 121 ans 135? After i rev

[bigdnno98]

Originally Posted by shifterboy45

i wish i could play youtube to hear that noise -- but im behind a firewall ...

is it a chrip-chirp-chrip that slowly goes away as the engine warms up ??

Mine just started with a chirp-chirp on cold starts......

[bladsville]

Anyone know what the solution to this is? My car has been doing the same.

Hate to bump an old thread but i PMed the OP and he didn't remember what his solution was.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by bladsville

Anyone know what the solution to this is? My car has been doing the same.

Hate to bump an old thread but i PMed the OP and he didn't remember what his solution was.

Open the hood and watch the movements of the tensioner. If noise matches the movements you have found the source. Most often is the tensioner that makes noise than other components like pulleys, belts, A/C. alternator, and power steering.

[straightcashhomie]

Originally Posted by bladsville

Anyone know what the solution to this is? My car has been doing the same.

Hate to bump an old thread but i PMed the OP and he didn't remember what his solution was.

What mileage are you at? I just recently replaced my serp belt pulleys and ps pulley. It's a known issue and if the ps pulley hits subframe and cracks you could shred the belt into the engine and destroy the motor. Also lose power steering. (This is worst case scenario). Remove the belly pan or fan and take a look.