Grinding noise in my pulleys.

[James Marchand]

I decided to start taking on some of the repair work on my 2000 328ci since I got a Bentley manual as gift after complaining about the financial working over I get if I go to a dealership.

I've taken on some smaller repairs that have taken me only a few days to finish. Like changing my windshield wipers.

Now I've got a bigger problem. I'll try to be as precise as possible. When my car is idling there is a loud "ball bearings in a blender" noise coming from one of the pulleys. When I put the car in park, with the engine on, the noise is much fainter. When I acclerate and the car is in motion the noise is completely gone. The noise has gotten progressively worse. I've looked through the forums on my own and it seems like it's the bearings in my upper tension pulley?

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

[FCPGroton]

As long as the car is running well, then it is more then likely the tensioner. When I first starting reading this, I was thinking the Vanos system. I would replace the tensioner and go from there.

[James Marchand]

Thanks for the information. Apparently there is a lower mechancial tensioner by the water pump and a hydraulic tensioner up by the alternator. The noise is definitely coming from the top.

[liljavier]

... are u hearing da noise with da a/c on or off if itz off and u still hear da noise most likely itz ur upper tensioner..