N55 serpentine squeal/chatter

AndyW · 03-01-2020, 09:19 AM

Update: so I've replaced every pulley except the harmonic balancer. I've replaced some things twice or more. Over $1000 in parts at this point. Ridiculous. I'll post a link to a video shortly. Maybe someone has an idea I haven't thought of. Only two things come to mind.

1. I replaced the alternator with a used one off eBay...maybe it has the exact same problem as my original (sound does seem like it could still be an alternator bearing)

2. Replace belt, tensioner and idlers with genuine BMW vice OEM.

*********
So, I am pretty sure the racket and squeal coming from my engine bay is the alternator. I have replaced belt, tensioner and pulley's twice and the P/S pump was replaced last year. When I replaced the tensioner and pulleys last year, the sound went away for 6 months but is back. Anyway...removing the alternator is a PITA and the Bentley manual says to remove the A/C Compressor and loosen the lower bracket to remove the Alternator. Most DIYs say to remove the OFH so the alternator comes out the top.

Problem I have right now to try the Bentley method is accessing the bottom bolt on the AC Compressor (which of course, has a picture of the bolt from the bottom - with the engine removed from the car - so it looks easy). But it seems to blocked from every possible angle (and you cannot see it). Best option seems to be from above with a flexible ratchet but I can't get the ratchet and my hand in there to guide it at the same time because it is tight. Would appreciate advice from anyone who has done this or if I should just bite the bullet and pull the OFH (and attendant cooolant drain, intake manifold removal, and seal replacement). TIA!

AndyW · 03-02-2020, 11:43 PM

Well, after re-attacking this evening using a mirror, I was able to get the last bolt. Was a PITA. Now with everything back together with the "new" (ebay used) alternator...THE SOUND IS STILL THERE. I have replaced everything except the AC Compressor pulley, guess that is next....ug.

AndyW · 03-10-2020, 09:16 PM

So...got the AC compressor pulley off...and the lip for the locking clip came off with it...

. Considering using high strength loctite when I put the new pulley back on and med strength loctite on the bolt/nut to substitute for the locking clip...really don't want to replace a whole AC compressor right now.

Edrift · 03-14-2020, 09:48 PM

If there's a squeal have you tried belt and pulley conditioner?

AndyW · 03-15-2020, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edrift

If there's a squeal have you tried belt and pulley conditioner?

Yes.

AndyW · 03-15-2020, 10:12 PM

Got the new ac pulley on and... still the squeal/chatter. I really am at my wit's end with this thing.

Gizmo135i · 03-17-2020, 07:13 PM

Try taking the oil filler cap off while it’s squealing and see if the noise goes away

AndyW · 03-18-2020, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmo135i

Try taking the oil filler cap off while it’s squealing and see if the noise goes away

Thx. Did that early on...it's not PCV. Run the car with no belt...no sound. Spray water on the belt...no sound (temporarily).

Dackelone · 03-18-2020, 06:23 PM

Are you using a genuine BMW belt ? Or aftermarket ?

Also once a belt is used... if you have to remove it... always mark the direction. Belts don't like to be run backwards once used for a while.

Have you used a pick to run thru the groves on all the pulleys ? Maybe there is some debris in there. ?

Gizmo135i · 03-18-2020, 06:55 PM

Oh I see, like Dackalone said I’d make sure the belt is oem, also the N55 had two or three different belt routings that were similar but different. I’d check to make sure you don’t have it routed wrong. It is defiantly possible I’ve seen it. If spraying water on it reduces the noise then it sounds like a belt or tensioner problem not an accessory

MightyMouseTech · 03-18-2020, 07:22 PM

I have seen many noisy aftermarket belts. Make sure it is OE from the dealer.

AndyW · 03-18-2020, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

I have seen many noisy aftermarket belts. Make sure it is OE from the dealer.

You know, this is one thing I have not tried. I have tried 2 Conti belts and Conti is the OEM correct? I've never had a problem with them on my N54.

Guess it is worth a shot. If that fixes it I may cry like a baby over all the work I have done...

AndyW · 03-18-2020, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmo135i

Oh I see, like Dackalone said I’d make sure the belt is oem, also the N55 had two or three different belt routings that were similar but different. I’d check to make sure you don’t have it routed wrong. It is defiantly possible I’ve seen it. If spraying water on it reduces the noise then it sounds like a belt or tensioner problem not an accessory

I used the routing in the Bentley Manual and it matched the routing of the initial belt I removed.

It matches this one: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...7&postcount=26

MightyMouseTech · 03-20-2020, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyW

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

I have seen many noisy aftermarket belts. Make sure it is OE from the dealer.

You know, this is one thing I have not tried. I have tried 2 Conti belts and Conti is the OEM correct? I've never had a problem with them on my N54.

Guess it is worth a shot. If that fixes it I may cry like a baby over all the work I have done...

The aftermarket Conti seem to be a harder rubber than the OE. Harder = squeakier.

Jeef · 03-21-2020, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyW

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

I have seen many noisy aftermarket belts. Make sure it is OE from the dealer.

You know, this is one thing I have not tried. I have tried 2 Conti belts and Conti is the OEM correct? I've never had a problem with them on my N54.

Guess it is worth a shot. If that fixes it I may cry like a baby over all the work I have done...

The aftermarket Conti seem to be a harder rubber than the OE. Harder = squeakier.

never had issues with Conti only the cheaper off brands

AndyW · 03-25-2020, 12:26 PM

So, I replaced the belt with a genuine BMW one and....no noise. Amazing. We'll see if that lasts as the belt wears in. I guess I should count the positives if this turns out to be the culprit: I now have a spare alternator, spare AC pulley, and a spare set of tensioner and idler pullies. Plus I did work that I gained experience from.

Is it too early to start drinking?...

drwillb · 03-25-2020, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyW

Is it too early to start drinking?...

It’s never too early, especially when you’ve earned it.

Cheers.

b.njamin · 04-23-2020, 10:47 PM

I feel like I've seen a posts very similar to this over the years. I have the n55 squeak too. Figured it would be around for a while. Any update? - dare i ask

AndyW · 04-24-2020, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benches1er

I feel like I've seen a posts very similar to this over the years. I have the n55 squeak too. Figured it would be around for a while. Any update? - dare i ask

So far, so good.

ScottUK · 05-02-2020, 11:48 PM

Unbelievable but so informative for other people , oh and guess what , I have the same issue with mine , sounds like a chirp every second , I've been round the front (as best you can) with my stethoscope and think its squeaking on the Altenator pulley.
I will check the manufacturer of the belt in a while .

03-01-2020, 09:19 AM	#1
AndyW Supreme Galactic Commander (one galaxy over...) 658 Rep 1,777 Posts Drives: '08 E93, '12 E82, '13 E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Washington, USA iTrader: (5)	N55 serpentine squeal/chatter Update: so I've replaced every pulley except the harmonic balancer. I've replaced some things twice or more. Over $1000 in parts at this point. Ridiculous. I'll post a link to a video shortly. Maybe someone has an idea I haven't thought of. Only two things come to mind. 1. I replaced the alternator with a used one off eBay...maybe it has the exact same problem as my original (sound does seem like it could still be an alternator bearing) 2. Replace belt, tensioner and idlers with genuine BMW vice OEM. ******* So, I am pretty sure the racket and squeal coming from my engine bay is the alternator. I have replaced belt, tensioner and pulley's twice and the P/S pump was replaced last year. When I replaced the tensioner and pulleys last year, the sound went away for 6 months but is back. Anyway...removing the alternator is a PITA and the Bentley manual says to remove the A/C Compressor and loosen the lower bracket to remove the Alternator. Most DIYs say to remove the OFH so the alternator comes out the top. Problem I have right now to try the Bentley method is accessing the bottom bolt on the AC Compressor (which of course, has a picture of the bolt from the bottom - with the engine removed from the car - so it looks easy). But it seems to blocked from every possible angle (and you cannot see it). Best option seems to be from above with a flexible ratchet but I can't get the ratchet and my hand in there to guide it at the same time because it is tight. Would appreciate advice from anyone who has done this or if I should just bite the bullet and pull the OFH (and attendant cooolant drain, intake manifold removal, and seal replacement). TIA! __________________ Best, Andy '12 E82-PS2,Stoptechs,Clubsports+M3 bits,Accusump,Wagner DP+EVO III FMIC,ERCP,BMS Intake,Mason Strut Bar,Wedge Tune** Last edited by AndyW; 03-15-2020 at 10:18 PM.. Reason: Title change
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03-02-2020, 11:43 PM	#2
AndyW Supreme Galactic Commander (one galaxy over...) 658 Rep 1,777 Posts Drives: '08 E93, '12 E82, '13 E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Washington, USA iTrader: (5)	Well, after re-attacking this evening using a mirror, I was able to get the last bolt. Was a PITA. Now with everything back together with the "new" (ebay used) alternator...THE SOUND IS STILL THERE. I have replaced everything except the AC Compressor pulley, guess that is next....ug. __________________ Best, Andy '12 E82-PS2,Stoptechs,Clubsports+M3 bits,Accusump,Wagner DP+EVO III FMIC,ERCP,BMS Intake,Mason Strut Bar,Wedge Tune
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03-10-2020, 09:16 PM	#3
AndyW Supreme Galactic Commander (one galaxy over...) 658 Rep 1,777 Posts Drives: '08 E93, '12 E82, '13 E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Washington, USA iTrader: (5)	So...got the AC compressor pulley off...and the lip for the locking clip came off with it.... Considering using high strength loctite when I put the new pulley back on and med strength loctite on the bolt/nut to substitute for the locking clip...really don't want to replace a whole AC compressor right now.
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03-14-2020, 09:48 PM	#4
Edrift Private First Class 75 Rep 187 Posts Drives: BMW 135i E88 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	If there's a squeal have you tried belt and pulley conditioner?
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03-15-2020, 10:12 PM	#6
AndyW Supreme Galactic Commander (one galaxy over...) 658 Rep 1,777 Posts Drives: '08 E93, '12 E82, '13 E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Washington, USA iTrader: (5)	Got the new ac pulley on and... still the squeal/chatter. I really am at my wit's end with this thing.
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03-17-2020, 07:13 PM	#7
Gizmo135i Second Lieutenant 116 Rep 264 Posts Drives: 135i n55 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Park Ridge NJ iTrader: (0)	Try taking the oil filler cap off while it’s squealing and see if the noise goes away
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03-18-2020, 06:23 PM	#9
Dackelone European Editor 10526 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Are you using a genuine BMW belt ? Or aftermarket ? Also once a belt is used... if you have to remove it... always mark the direction. Belts don't like to be run backwards once used for a while. Have you used a pick to run thru the groves on all the pulleys ? Maybe there is some debris in there. ? __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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03-18-2020, 06:55 PM	#10
Gizmo135i Second Lieutenant 116 Rep 264 Posts Drives: 135i n55 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Park Ridge NJ iTrader: (0)	Oh I see, like Dackalone said I’d make sure the belt is oem, also the N55 had two or three different belt routings that were similar but different. I’d check to make sure you don’t have it routed wrong. It is defiantly possible I’ve seen it. If spraying water on it reduces the noise then it sounds like a belt or tensioner problem not an accessory
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03-18-2020, 07:22 PM	#11
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	I have seen many noisy aftermarket belts. Make sure it is OE from the dealer.
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03-25-2020, 12:26 PM	#16
AndyW Supreme Galactic Commander (one galaxy over...) 658 Rep 1,777 Posts Drives: '08 E93, '12 E82, '13 E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Washington, USA iTrader: (5)	So, I replaced the belt with a genuine BMW one and....no noise. Amazing. We'll see if that lasts as the belt wears in. I guess I should count the positives if this turns out to be the culprit: I now have a spare alternator, spare AC pulley, and a spare set of tensioner and idler pullies. Plus I did work that I gained experience from. Is it too early to start drinking?...
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04-23-2020, 10:47 PM	#18
b.njamin Private 8 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 2011 135i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Rhode Island, Arizona or somewhere in between iTrader: (0)	I feel like I've seen a posts very similar to this over the years. I have the n55 squeak too. Figured it would be around for a while. Any update? - dare i ask __________________ Only six cross country trips so far in my 135...
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05-02-2020, 11:48 PM	#20
ScottUK New Member 2 Rep 22 Posts Drives: BMW 135i coupe e82, BMW120i e8 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: United Kingdom (Leicester) iTrader: (0)	Unbelievable but so informative for other people , oh and guess what , I have the same issue with mine , sounds like a chirp every second , I've been round the front (as best you can) with my stethoscope and think its squeaking on the Altenator pulley. I will check the manufacturer of the belt in a while .
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