Small but consistent squeak from engine bay in E90 330i

Judge Dredd · 10-31-2013, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Quote:

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.

True although I'm confused. It goes away after it's warmed up whereas before the new tensioner, it never did that. Also, I'm dreading the idler pulley because I have to remove the airbox which means removing hose clamps and a sensor and I hate hose clamps.

Three_thirty_I · 10-31-2013, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

True although I'm confused. It goes away after it's warmed up whereas before the new tensioner, it never did that. Also, I'm dreading the idler pulley because I have to remove the airbox which means removing hose clamps and a sensor and I hate hose clamps.

If you have the Euro type airbox then it isn't really an issue, but not sure about the non-Euro airbox... You'll probably find that the pre tensioner was the noisier and consistent of the two, but the other will eventually get worse. It's either a case of ignore it or replace.

Judge Dredd · 10-31-2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

True although I'm confused. It goes away after it's warmed up whereas before the new tensioner, it never did that. Also, I'm dreading the idler pulley because I have to remove the airbox which means removing hose clamps and a sensor and I hate hose clamps.

If you have the Euro type airbox then it isn't really an issue, but not sure about the non-Euro airbox... You'll probably find that the pre tensioner was the noisier and consistent of the two, but the other will eventually get worse. It's either a case of ignore it or replace.

Now I'm pissed. Started my car after school today; sound is back to the way it was. $75 part that didn't need to be replaced. I thought I diagnosed it correctly. I am going to take the idler pulley off and see what it feels like.

Also, I'm not sure what the difference is between the two air boxes. Mine has two bolts at the driver's side quarter panel and then a hose clamp and a sensor that need to be removed.

Three_thirty_I · 11-01-2013, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Now I'm pissed. Started my car after school today; sound is back to the way it was. $75 part that didn't need to be replaced. I thought I diagnosed it correctly. I am going to take the idler pulley off and see what it feels like.

Also, I'm not sure what the difference is between the two air boxes. Mine has two bolts at the driver's side quarter panel and then a hose clamp and a sensor that need to be removed.

I feel your pain! Replaced both DISA flaps last year trying to get to the bottom of my rattling sound (also suspected as pinging) problem...

This is the Euro airbox:

And then the non-Euro airbox:

Judge Dredd · 11-01-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Now I'm pissed. Started my car after school today; sound is back to the way it was. $75 part that didn't need to be replaced. I thought I diagnosed it correctly. I am going to take the idler pulley off and see what it feels like.

Also, I'm not sure what the difference is between the two air boxes. Mine has two bolts at the driver's side quarter panel and then a hose clamp and a sensor that need to be removed.

I feel your pain! Replaced both DISA flaps last year trying to get to the bottom of my rattling sound (also suspected as pinging) problem...

This is the Euro airbox:

And then the non-Euro airbox:

The second picture isn't showing but it does look like the euro airbox. Thanks

N8N · 11-01-2013, 11:21 AM

hope you figure it out, at least on a N54 if the belt snaps it seems the pieces can get sucked through the front main seal (?!?!?!) and into the engine destroying the seal and requiring the pan to come down to clean it out. Not trying to scare you just a reminder that ignoring stuff on these cars can be $$$$$$

GoRomeo · 11-01-2013, 11:43 AM

WD 40 usually last for a few days and will dry out and noise will come back. You will need to replace it to avoid this noise coming back.

Judge Dredd · 11-02-2013, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8N

hope you figure it out, at least on a N54 if the belt snaps it seems the pieces can get sucked through the front main seal (?!?!?!) and into the engine destroying the seal and requiring the pan to come down to clean it out. Not trying to scare you just a reminder that ignoring stuff on these cars can be $$$$$$

Yeah I have heard of this. Also have seen pictures. Somewhat glad I don't have an N54.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

WD 40 usually last for a few days and will dry out and noise will come back. You will need to replace it to avoid this noise coming back.

Okay, I just went out and put WD40 DIRECTLY on the belt itself and it stopped squeaking for a few seconds. Now, since the idler pulley was nowhere near the WD40, I ruled it out as being the problem. I've just purchased a new serpentine belt and when I replace the current one, I will spin the idler to see if it's shot, just for the hell of it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

I feel your pain! Replaced both DISA flaps last year trying to get to the bottom of my rattling sound (also suspected as pinging) problem...

This is the Euro airbox:

And then the non-Euro airbox:

Thanks for putting in the second image. It's definitely the Euro airbox.

Three_thirty_I · 11-02-2013, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Yeah I have heard of this. Also have seen pictures. Somewhat glad I don't have an N54.

Okay, I just went out and put WD40 DIRECTLY on the belt itself and it stopped squeaking for a few seconds. Now, since the idler pulley was nowhere near the WD40, I ruled it out as being the problem. I've just purchased a new serpentine belt and when I replace the current one, I will spin the idler to see if it's shot, just for the hell of it.

Thanks for putting in the second image. It's definitely the Euro airbox.

Then easy to remove, just the two bolts on the side, then open it up and remove the filter, loosen the intake boot and remove as well as the MAF plug, then to make life easy remove the intake from the cross member along with the airbox.

Judge Dredd · 11-02-2013, 06:26 PM

Thanks for the info! Is it necessary to remove the filter or can I remove the airbox without removing the filter? It looks like I am able to access the MAF sensor and the hose with the hose clamp on it.

Also, I bought the belt and would like to swap it out tonight or tomorrow. Any tips for doing so?

Three_thirty_I · 11-02-2013, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Thanks for the info! Is it necessary to remove the filter or can I remove the airbox without removing the filter? It looks like I am able to access the MAF sensor and the hose with the hose clamp on it.

Also, I bought the belt and would like to swap it out tonight or tomorrow. Any tips for doing so?

I can't recall, probably can. I just remove it so that I can inspect and clean anyway. Just clips loose.

Judge Dredd · 11-02-2013, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

I can't recall, probably can. I just remove it so that I can inspect and clean anyway. Just clips loose.

Thanks!

Judge Dredd · 11-03-2013, 10:16 AM

Got the new belt installed. Didn't have to remove the airbox.

So far no squeaking. Will report back as I break it in. Idler pulley seemed to be alright.

Three_thirty_I · 11-03-2013, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Got the new belt installed. Didn't have to remove the airbox.

So far no squeaking. Will report back as I break it in. Idler pulley seemed to be alright.

I am holding thumbs!!

Judge Dredd · 11-03-2013, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Got the new belt installed. Didn't have to remove the airbox.

So far no squeaking. Will report back as I break it in. Idler pulley seemed to be alright.

I am holding thumbs!!

Took the car out for a drive today. No squeaking.

On the bright side, I have a spare tensioner, although I'm thinking about giving it away here on E90post with the buyer only paying shipping.

Three_thirty_I · 11-03-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Took the car out for a drive today. No squeaking.

On the bright side, I have a spare tensioner, although I'm thinking about giving it away here on E90post with the buyer only paying shipping.

I am really happy to hear this!! Enjoy the proper sound of your car now!!

Judge Dredd · 11-03-2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

Took the car out for a drive today. No squeaking.

On the bright side, I have a spare tensioner, although I'm thinking about giving it away here on E90post with the buyer only paying shipping.

I am really happy to hear this!! Enjoy the proper sound of your car now!!

Thank you

11-01-2013, 11:21 AM	#28
N8N Lieutenant Colonel 168 Rep 1,843 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Berwyn Heights, MD iTrader: (2)	hope you figure it out, at least on a N54 if the belt snaps it seems the pieces can get sucked through the front main seal (?!?!?!) and into the engine destroying the seal and requiring the pan to come down to clean it out. Not trying to scare you just a reminder that ignoring stuff on these cars can be $$$$$$
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-01-2013, 11:43 AM	#29
GoRomeo Brigadier General 955 Rep 3,836 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	WD 40 usually last for a few days and will dry out and noise will come back. You will need to replace it to avoid this noise coming back.
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11-02-2013, 06:26 PM	#32
Judge Dredd Bayerische Motoren Werke 23 Rep 251 Posts Drives: recklessly Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	Thanks for the info! Is it necessary to remove the filter or can I remove the airbox without removing the filter? It looks like I am able to access the MAF sensor and the hose with the hose clamp on it. Also, I bought the belt and would like to swap it out tonight or tomorrow. Any tips for doing so?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2013, 10:16 AM	#35
Judge Dredd Bayerische Motoren Werke 23 Rep 251 Posts Drives: recklessly Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	Got the new belt installed. Didn't have to remove the airbox. So far no squeaking. Will report back as I break it in. Idler pulley seemed to be alright.
	Appreciate 0 Quote