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spd1869
New User
Dec 4, 2007, 7:41 PM
Post #1 of 2
(9599 views)
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car makes chirping sound
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I have a 1994 BMW 325i. I recently had new belts and a radiator installed, now my car chirps when engine runs. Most prevelant while idleing. I was told that this car has self tensioning belts. It did not make this sound before repairs.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 5, 2007, 4:57 AM
Post #2 of 2
(9596 views)
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Re: car makes chirping sound
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Many cars now use "self tensioned" belts. That item can be the problem. Engine off and keys out, just feel the belt tension at the longest path of a belt between the pulleys.
New belts are generall quiet for a while and many don't match up well with the already worn pulleys. This can show up fast and belt noise gets real annoying. Do you know the brand of belt(s) used for this? They do make quiet belts aftermarket for many models of vehicles. There is a judgement of mechanic on how tight to leave a non self tensioned belt. Can't speak for all but I would err to not overtightening when brand new as it's difficult to guess how much the belt will stretch or quickly wear in to where it should stay for a long time after that.
If you think the belts themselves are making the noise a quick spray of WD-40 on the friction side usually will shut it up right away in front of you but won't last that long as WD-40 is fairly light. I use pure silicone grease (rubber friendly) on belts and that tends to last quite a while keeping belts quiet if the perfect match between belt and pulleys can't be had. At first the silicone grease can cause the belt to slip but should actually become a help for friction if not overdone. It doesn't hurt the rubber.
Check on how these are tensioned and the WD-40 trick can help you decide how to correct the problem or expose that the problem is with a pulley itself and not the belts. Good luck,
T
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