whats the name of these parts/belts...

jon.e · 07-28-2011, 07:46 AM

Hey,
I've been hearing this little high pitch squeaking noise coming from the area of where all my pulleys and belts are at the front of the motor, just before the fans. Now the car has a fan delete mod and I noticed yesterday that the belts are starting to wear aswell. I did some research and found that it could also be the belt tensioner that could be making that noise. I want to replace the two belts ( are there anymore?) what do I ask my parts guy to look for? And are there any certain specifications I might need to know. Should I also replace the tensioner when I do this?

Any help is appreciated
Thanks
-Jonathan

dannyb · 07-28-2011, 08:29 AM

serpentine belt or accessory belt they should understand. The other belt is most likely the A/C belt. You should change the tensioner while you are in there, if you have the cash then change the idler pulley as well.

jon.e · 07-28-2011, 09:50 AM

Okay thx for the quick response, so I'm looking at changing these 3 parts: Serpentine belt, Tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Anything else I should look into changing while I do this?

jon.e · 07-28-2011, 10:07 AM

I ordered the parts. And it came out a lot cheaper than I expected. Now I have to order the tentioner pully. Does anyone know if our cars have a hydraulic tensioner or mechanical

sb_600 · 07-28-2011, 10:32 AM

it depends on the year. Take a look - if it's like the first pic, it's mechanical. Like the second, hydraulic. My 328 was a mechanical. You can convert to a hydraulic, but you need a bolt kit for that as well.

There are two belts - A/C, and acccessory belt (which powers your water pump & alternator).

jon.e · 07-28-2011, 12:47 PM

Perfect thanks, I guess ill have a look when I get home. Its a 1998 328i if that clears anything up.. I'm assuming the newer ones would use a hydraulic one.

sb_600 · 07-28-2011, 02:44 PM

you would think so, but my 92 M50NV had a hydraulic, whereas the M52 i bought (alegedly from a 98 328is) has a mechanical one. I think the hydraulic one is supposed to be an "upgrade" though, and I believe they are interchangeable

BmW1819 · 07-28-2011, 06:18 PM

the tensioner is ever the cause it's almost for sure it's your pulleys but if u want to change the tensioner only way to find out it look at it

Giormelo · 07-28-2011, 09:53 PM

Not trying to hijack your thread, but ive been having the same problem
As well but its not a squeak its more of a high pitched whir. Its only noticeable at lower RPMS because engines too loud so you cant notice at higher rpms. Its at the same location as the belts but its more to the driver side its also a 95 318iS

Ceeker · 07-28-2011, 10:09 PM

Ive seen this problem lots when I worked for bmw. You won't know until you actually take it apart to determine which tensioner it has. I remember the techs getting frustrated because they would ask for one and it would have the other. lol They typically start seizing up because the bearings get dry. Some lube once a while wouldn't hurt.

Giormelo · 07-28-2011, 10:55 PM

This is where i think the whirring is coming from

Its the alternator in my m42 e36 and its beside the oil filter

sb_600 · 07-29-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceeker

They typically start seizing up because the bearings get dry. Some lube once a while wouldn't hurt.

+1. This is what happens when you wait too long. Causes loss of power steering, and overheating. IMO, don't wait. If it's noisy, change it.

jon.e · 07-30-2011, 09:06 PM

I changed the belt, and a pulley but its forsure the alternator. Wheres a good place to find one for a reasonable price?

sproule905 · 07-31-2011, 09:43 AM

my 99 328is has a hydraulic tensioner

Ceeker · 07-31-2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jon.e

I changed the belt, and a pulley but its forsure the alternator. Wheres a good place to find one for a reasonable price?

sent pm.