E36 M3 Coupe Squeak on startup and deceleration

[sagien]

I am experiencing a problem with my E36 M3 coupe. When I startup in the mornings, i get a squeak when driving at 2000rpm and also when decelerating. I suspect it is the Timing Chain tension.

Anyone had similar issue, would apprecaite your guidance.

 

[calypso]

Timing chain tensioners rattle on startup when they old. Never heard of a squeek though.
Silly question, is the AC on when this happens?

 

[MikeR]

more like a squeal...high pitched, have you checked your belts - well at least the one that drives your alternator.
As calypso said chains dont squeek.

 

[sagien]

This happens when the AC is off.

I have replace both belts. The squeal/squeak is when the engine is cold, and dissappear when hot.

 

[Shahaad]

Funny enough mine just started doing the same thing Sunday morning.......

will check this weekend when i drive the car again to see if it does it again.

noise also dissapears when engine gets warm :mmm:

 

[ClassicB]

Fan belt tension?

 

[Liquid Ice]

my e46 M does exactly the same thing in the mornings. took it to the dealer and they said its the belt pre tensioners. R7000 to replace them. yep i didnt place the extra zero by mistake, its THOUSAND.

 

[calypso]

Funny enough mine just started doing the same thing Sunday morning.......

will check this weekend when i drive the car again to see if it does it again.

noise also dissapears when engine gets warm :mmm:

Shit, it must be contagious.

*hides car in garage and throws 2 panados in the tank*

 

[MikeR]

:wave: SERIOUSLY GUYS - its just fan belt tensioning, you can put a new one on but if its not tensioned properly it will slip.

 

[Shahaad]

Hey Mike :thumbsup:

So does this just happen over night?

Because on saturday she was fine.........

Thanks

 

[Theo D]

Mine use to do that in the morning when it was cold. I replaced the belts and the tensioner pulley :thumbsup: problem solved

 

[sagien]

The squeak has disappeared on mine. The aluminium oil pan, just below the tappets was touching the plastic shield near the radiator and causing the squeak.

 

[MikeR]

Hey Mike :thumbsup:

So does this just happen over night?

Because on saturday she was fine.........

Thanks

Very easily - the second it slips it forms a smooth surface on the belt itself - the old days the guys would put all types of stuff on to take it away like soap just to get it to grip again - but the would only last a short while.
if your belt tension is just enough to grip, small things like a drop in temperature could make it slightly looser and then it slips.

 

[Shahaad]

Thanks Mike, really appreciate the advice, I will only use the car again on the weekend so ill check it out and post here again based on what happens....

:thumb:

 

[kish]

My 3.2 did the same thing.

It turned out to be the belt tensioner as well as the jockey pulley AND the water pump!

Please dont rule out the water pump.

They also make a noise when cold and are silent when hot.

The shaft seals get dry/hard over time, especially if not antifreeze was used.

 

[Shahaad]

They also make a noise when cold and are silent when hot.

Based on the above statement what exactly is the "They" that you are referring to?

And also which shaft seals are you talking about?

Thanks....

 

[Technician]

my E36 also squeaks when cold, but not for long?
it sounds like a belt noise to me.
i suspect its the belts- i'll change them and then see what happens?

normally one slight rev up to 2500rpm the noise goes for good?

 

[kish]

Howzit shucks

by referring to they i actually meant that any one of the things i mentioned could cause the noise.

the shaft seals are in the water pump, they are actually the seals that protect the bearings of the pump from contamination from the coolant in the system.