On Jan 21, 8:46 pm, "Jim" <j...@nospam.com> wrote:
> <langj...@uwgb.edu> wrote in message
>
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>
> Jim
Anything I can look at / fix myself?
You might be able to tell if the belt shows evidence of wear. I don't
believe I could though.
A qualified mechanic can tell you if the belt is tight enough.
Jim
Fred Smith - 24 Jan 2008 09:41 GMT
>On Jan 21, 8:46 pm, "Jim" <j...@nospam.com> wrote:
>> <langj...@uwgb.edu> wrote in message
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>A qualified mechanic can tell you if the belt is tight enough.
>Jim
Have a look at the Fan Belt Idler Pulley.
My '97 323i had your problem an I took the pulley off and when spun by
hand it rattled. I injected some oil into the back of the bearing as a
quick fix. This cured it but it is only a temporary fix as it will
soon dry out and the rattle / squeal will come back. Mind you that was
500 km ago! I got a new pulley/bearing assy but haven't put it on yet.
Fred
adder1969 - 24 Jan 2008 10:56 GMT
> ><langj...@uwgb.edu> wrote in message
> >news:91adf6da-b034-4719-a71f-eff350c54fc8@z17g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
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>
> - Show quoted text -
On the 6 cyls it's usually the pulley. My 2001 does it.
Dave Plowman (News) - 24 Jan 2008 09:58 GMT
> You might be able to tell if the belt shows evidence of wear. I don't
> believe I could though.
I'd say it's difficult. They can show external signs of cracking quite
early on but last for a long long time like that. Best to go by mileage.
> A qualified mechanic can tell you if the belt is tight enough.
> Jim
The likely signs are slipping noises from the belt when the alternator is
working hard - like after a cold start in winter. Of course it might do
this if correctly tensioned but contaminated with oil, etc.

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Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
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