trying to figure out engine noise

[0517murphy]

97 318i loud squealing sound from engine took belts off without change to sound. I'm not too schooled on 4cyl motors ,trying to eliminate what it's not before starting work hope someone can help.....witeshark had some great input ,looking for as many ideas as possible before I start. thank you....p.s. noise came all at once....

[0517murphy]

please help.... what could the engine noise be i don't think it's alt-water pump- starter -air comp because with out belts sounds like bad bearing but where? thank you for your comments in advance.....

[theluis]

theres two things u didnt mention there power streering pump and the idler pulley? (not sure if the 318s have one) and the tensioner.
the squeeking could be due to a bad tensioner

[0517murphy]

thank's for the reply theluis I was thinking the same thing at first until I removed both belts but the noise didn't go away, now I'm just confused... I'm thinking it may be in the timing but the engine still runs without skipping or backfiring .....need help bad!!!!

[theluis]

ok im starting to think tranny now is it automatic or manual?
if it is a manual then the clutch maybe slipping a little??
Another thing u can check is loose things u may have in the engine bay that may be shaking and making the squeeking noise

[0517murphy]

thank you theluis it's a auto the noise is more like a loud grinding bearing not just a squeak .... does anyone know if the timing gears have bearings. 97 4cyl.

[theluis]

on the timing belt? (is it a belt?) if it is then there should be at least one tensioner as a rule of thumb. if they are chains which i think they are then probably does not have to do with timing...
Grinding from where does it sound internal? to check if it sounds internal open up the oil fill cap and listen in there...

[0517murphy]

theluis tried to listen with the oil cap off really couldn't tell much .... sounds internal to me but for the life of me i can't seem to tell where .......

[theluis]

hahaha its ok... grinding can never be good... if its internal then your probalbly lookin at rod bearings or main bearings... =(

[theluis]

is there oil in the engine???!!!

[0517murphy]

yea oil in engine first thing i checked....hahaha......thank you for your info guess i'm going to start tearing down in the near future hate to start without being sure what i'm looking for but it looks like where i'm heading

[theluis]

yea i have no clue wat else it would be... sorry and good luck