Cricket noise?? Idler pulley?? - BMW Forum

323i4me · 07-22-2008, 03:45 PM

Need some help here folks. I've seen a lot about some weird noises coming from under the hood, but only a couple that have been compared to a cricket noise. Can someone give me an idea of what's going on and how much it might cost at a non-BMW dealership shop that specializes in BMW and Mercedes?

bimmerguy82 · 07-22-2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 323i4me

Need some help here folks. I've seen a lot about some weird noises coming from under the hood, but only a couple that have been compared to a cricket noise. Can someone give me an idea of what's going on and how much it might cost at a non-BMW dealership shop that specializes in BMW and Mercedes?

Does it sound like a high pitched chirp under acceleration or all the time?
It's probably a worn pulley or bearing. Cost will be at least $80-100 per hour for most shops.

darkhorse737 · 07-22-2008, 07:25 PM

try this little trick... with engine idling. shoot some WD40 on the belt- duh*.. the side which comes in contact with the idlers and pulleys. If sound goes away, maybe just a loose or worn belt ;-)

323i4me · 07-23-2008, 09:55 AM

I'm familiar with the sound a belt makes when loose or needs a shot WD-40. This is more of a grinding, or cricket noise...it's low, not high. Only happens when car is in drive or reverse with foot on the brake and RPM's drop to 1,000 to 2,000. Weird noise. My mechanic never heard it before and asked me if I paid extra for it at the dealership. Haha!!!

darkhorse737 · 07-23-2008, 10:02 AM

only way to figure that one out is remove the belt. start the car & put it in D or R. and see if the noise disappears... IF YES, then it's one of the pulleys ;-)

if it's still there.... ooops :-( crankshaft bearing probs/engine probs) - i sure hope not.

323i4me · 07-23-2008, 11:22 AM

darkhorse....you're exactly right. My mechanic said that same thing yesterday. We'll see what happens....bringing it in today. If it's just a pulley, any idea of what he's going to charge me?? This is my first repair with this car, so I'm a little gun shy right now. I've owned GM's before this, and if I couldn't do it myself, I pretty much knew what it was going to cost me at the shop.

darkhorse737 · 07-23-2008, 04:17 PM

depends on which pulley we're talking about. alternator, power steering pump, idler, or tensioner, or A/C compressor even.

The best way to do this is to have them diagnose what might be wrong first. Pay the diagnostic fee if u must, but at same time, get a quote from them with an agreement that if u agree to let them do the job, they'll incorporate the diagnostic fee as part of the repair price.

Don't commit to the repair immediately, get a signed quote but just say you can't have them do it right away ;-)

Don't be afraid decline repairs either...(tht's my subtle way of saying "i'll need a 2nd opinion from somewhere else..." ;-)

323i4me · 07-29-2008, 08:24 AM

Got it fixed up last week. Was the Idler and Alternator pulley. Also replaced alll the belts while he was in there. $350 later, the car is running like a top again. Thanks for the words of advice and the diagnostic help!!!

Dudesky_E36 · 07-29-2008, 08:51 AM

Just to throw this in for anyone who happens to search threads for "cricket" noises . . A failing water pump can also make a similar sound while idling, particularly on the M54 engine. Happened to me as well as another member here, drove me nuts for weeks. So if you've ruled out the pulleys, look into that. Just an FYI