E60 Drive belt squeal

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Just recently I've noticed a wee squeal from my fan belt when pulling away at junctions.  Generally happens just after going thru a puddle.  Now I'm not charging thru the puddle but coasting to a stop at a stop line when I have no choice but to drive thru a puddle, when I pull out there is a squeal from the belt.  Happened again today, very little electrical load on the car although I had only driven 3.5 miles so the battery is probably still being charged from starting it. 
The belt in my car is on a self adjusting tensioner, just like most other BMW engines, it is 7.5 years old and has spun round for over 68,000 miles, has it just got to the end of its natural life?  And the fact it is more noticeable after going thru a puddle is that any wear is exagerated by water acting as a lubricant and causing it to squeal?  There is no sign of cracking on the belt like the one I replaced on my E39 at a lower mileage.  

Eurocar parts can supply me the drive belt for £13.80 and the seperate aircon belt for £19.50, go figure that one?  The much longer and wider belt is cheaper!  Contitech too which is OEM.

Should I just replace them at that price or have I got a problem with a tensioner?

Ta 

Andrew

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Andrew Rolland Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Go away rain Joined: 19-August-2004 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 6579	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andrew Rolland Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: E60 Drive belt squeal Posted: 30-December-2011 at 19:03
	Just recently I've noticed a wee squeal from my fan belt when pulling away at junctions. Generally happens just after going thru a puddle. Now I'm not charging thru the puddle but coasting to a stop at a stop line when I have no choice but to drive thru a puddle, when I pull out there is a squeal from the belt. Happened again today, very little electrical load on the car although I had only driven 3.5 miles so the battery is probably still being charged from starting it. The belt in my car is on a self adjusting tensioner, just like most other BMW engines, it is 7.5 years old and has spun round for over 68,000 miles, has it just got to the end of its natural life? And the fact it is more noticeable after going thru a puddle is that any wear is exagerated by water acting as a lubricant and causing it to squeal? There is no sign of cracking on the belt like the one I replaced on my E39 at a lower mileage. Eurocar parts can supply me the drive belt for £13.80 and the seperate aircon belt for £19.50, go figure that one? The much longer and wider belt is cheaper! Contitech too which is OEM. Should I just replace them at that price or have I got a problem with a tensioner? Ta Andrew
	Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto

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Cambell Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 07-January-2007 Status: Offline Points: 3830	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cambell Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01-January-2012 at 10:50
	Take the belt off and see if there's any play on the tensioner bearing, if there is, replace it. Once you've done that, fit the new belt you've probably already bought.

Cambell Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 07-January-2007 Status: Offline Points: 3830	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cambell Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01-January-2012 at 10:56
	Also look for resistance on the tensioner, I've had that before where the belt is trying to turn something that doesn't want to be turned. It should spin freely and quietly.

Andrew Rolland Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Go away rain Joined: 19-August-2004 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 6579	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andrew Rolland Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02-January-2012 at 16:18
	Thanks for that Cambell, I appreciate the info. I'll have a look, I haven't bought the belt yet. I need two new rear tyres, an MOT, tax, oil service, vehicle check, pollen filters, a brake fluid change and new front pads (mibbie discs too) plus the pad wear sensor. I have a bit to spend on her in the next 4 months, that little list will probably approach 4 figures easily......but then all I did last year was replace the spark plugs.
	Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto