[Judge Dredd]

I have a small squeak coming from the engine bay of my '06 330i. It sounds like a belt but I've posted a video on YouTube with hopes that maybe one of you experts can give me some input:

Thanks!

Dustin

[pillbox]

I have the same squeak, I can hear it clearer when I put my head behind the drivers wheel. I should get it up on a lift and check it out haha.

Also an 06 330i

[Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by pillbox

I have the same squeak, I can hear it clearer when I put my head behind the drivers wheel. I should get it up on a lift and check it out haha.

Also an 06 330i

Please let me know if you find anything.

[avocet]

Tensioner/idler pulley most likely. Mine sounded just like that prior to replacement.

[Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by avocet

Tensioner/idler pulley most likely. Mine sounded just like that prior to replacement.

I tried to test these two by moving them with my hands as seen in a random YouTube video but they didn't move. How can I test them to see which one is causing the issue?

[Judge Dredd]

Any ideas anyone?

[Bmr3sn]

The tensioner is spring-loaded to hold the belt tight. You need to release the tension, then spin the wheel to see if it has any play or the bearing is dry.

[essex_lad]

get some WD40 or something alike or your pulleys.

[Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by Bmr3sn

The tensioner is spring-loaded to hold the belt tight. You need to release the tension, then spin the wheel to see if it has any play or the bearing is dry.

And I'll need a large Torx bit to do that, correct?

[Bmr3sn]

Correct, you need a T60.

[Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by Bmr3sn

Correct, you need a T60.

Thanks very much. I'll get one and report back.

[Casca]

Get a stethoscope http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-52500-Me...ds=stethoscope . Very useful and cheap tool for isolating noise.

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by Casca

Get a stethoscope http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-52500-Me...ds=stethoscope . Very useful and cheap tool for isolating noise.

This is something I would like to get at some point!

But you can (observe lots of care) of course use a large flat head screwdriver and with the tip touching the tensioner body - might be a little tricky though.

In retrospect, it is most likely just the tensioner pulley anyway, these things do eventually become noisy...

[Judge Dredd]

I reviewed the service records for my car and noticed that the previous owner had the tensioner replaced after the same noise occurred not too long ago so I'm fairly this is due to the tensioner as you all advised. Thanks!

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

I reviewed the service records for my car and noticed that the previous owner had the tensioner replaced after the same noise occurred not too long ago so I'm fairly this is due to the tensioner as you all advised. Thanks!

That's interesting, what was the mileage at the time when he had the tensioner replaced, and then the mileage since then till now?

Keep us posted - ask for the old parts back if you can, or so that you can feel/hear the noise from the bearing, I would think it would be very loose as in turn easily (new tensioners turn but with a certain level or resistance), and probably rough sounding...

[Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

That's interesting, what was the mileage at the time when he had the tensioner replaced, and then the mileage since then till now?

Keep us posted - ask for the old parts back if you can, or so that you can feel/hear the noise from the bearing, I would think it would be very loose as in turn easily (new tensioners turn but with a certain level or resistance), and probably rough sounding...

I hate to just guess because I can't remember but I want to say around 70k. I'll keep you all posted. Haven't got around to playing with this yet though.

[Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

That's interesting, what was the mileage at the time when he had the tensioner replaced, and then the mileage since then till now?

Keep us posted - ask for the old parts back if you can, or so that you can feel/hear the noise from the bearing, I would think it would be very loose as in turn easily (new tensioners turn but with a certain level or resistance), and probably rough sounding...

I went out to my car and sprayed a little WD40 on the tensioner pulley (not the belt but the pulley itself) and the squeaking stopped immediately. Thanks for all the help everyone! I'll be ordering and replacing this part soon!

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

I went out to my car and sprayed a little WD40 on the tensioner pulley (not the belt but the pulley itself) and the squeaking stopped immediately. Thanks for all the help everyone! I'll be ordering and replacing this part soon!

Great stuff! Let us know how it goes!

[Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Great stuff! Let us know how it goes!

Got the part today and replaced it. The squeak is gone and I'm quite proud of myself to be honest.

For what it's worth, anyone replacing the tensioner pulley, GET A BREAKER BAR. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I used an aluminum broom handle with the end cut off and threw it over the wrench. You'll thank me.

And I owe you all thanks!

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Got the part today and replaced it. The squeak is gone and I'm quite proud of myself to be honest.

For what it's worth, anyone replacing the tensioner pulley, GET A BREAKER BAR. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I used an aluminum broom handle with the end cut off and threw it over the wrench. You'll thank me.

And I owe you all thanks!

Most satisfying to DIY things like this!! Yep, quite a lot of leverage needed for this job! Very well done, and glad no more squeaking!

[Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Most satisfying to DIY things like this!! Yep, quite a lot of leverage needed for this job! Very well done, and glad no more squeaking!

Not quite fully gone I'm afraid. It's about 50 degrees here and it still does it at start when it's cold but after it's started it's all good.

What's interesting to me is that the old tensioner didn't spin freely, was not gritty and seemed fine to me. Idler pulley maybe?

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Not quite fully gone I'm afraid. It's about 50 degrees here and it still does it at start when it's cold but after it's started it's all good.

What's interesting to me is that the old tensioner didn't spin freely, was not gritty and seemed fine to me. Idler pulley maybe?

Most likely, at least it's just a pulley, so won't be quite as expensive at the pre-tensioner.