2004 BMW Z4 Squeak

[LP-Revolutions]

Hello, my 2004 BMW Z4 has developed a considerable loud, high-pitch squeak whenever it is turned on. This disturbing sound continues throughout the entire duration of operation. I've changed the pulleys, the belt tensioners, and the belt. However, that did not resolve the issue. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for me. Thank you.

 

[Street]

Have you changed your oil filter recently? If not try that and opt for a good brand one like Mann.

 

[BumpyZ4]

Have you changed your oil filter recently? If not try that and opt for a good brand one like Mann.

Yep, sounds like a collapsed oil filter.

 

[LP-Revolutions]

Yep, sounds like a collapsed oil filter.

Interesting. So this simple solution can possibly be the remedy to such a horrible sound?

 

[Street]

Yep, sounds like a collapsed oil filter.

Interesting. So this simple solution can possibly be the remedy to such a horrible sound?

Yes. Let us know how you get on.

 

[BumpyZ4]

Yep, sounds like a collapsed oil filter.

Interesting. So this simple solution can possibly be the remedy to such a horrible sound?

Yes. Happened to me when I installed a K&N oil filter. I changed to a Mann filter, and it's been quiet ever since.

 

[LP-Revolutions]

So I changed the oil and the oil filter (MANN) but the noise still persists...

 

[bigwinn]

Can you get a video of it?

 

[j3nks79]

Could be a noisy bearing from the alternator or ac compressor

 

[LP-Revolutions]

Here is a quick video clip where you can hear the sound:

https://youtu.be/3h0IUoWY4kQ?si=69NP7FfF74E4BpA0

At this point, I've changed the pulley tensioners, the pulleys, the belts, the engine oil, and the engine oil filter....

 

[LP-Revolutions]

Could be a noisy bearing from the alternator or ac compressor

It seems to be narrowing down to something like that. Would it be possible to remove and re-grease the bearings of those components or would they just have to be replaced?

 

[LP-Revolutions]

Can you get a video of it?

Here is a quick video clip where you can hear the sound:

https://youtu.be/3h0IUoWY4kQ?si=69NP7FfF74E4BpA0

At this point, I've changed the pulley tensioners, the pulleys, the belts, the engine oil, and the engine oil filter.

 

[enuff_zed]

Could be a noisy bearing from the alternator or ac compressor

It seems to be narrowing down to something like that. Would it be possible to remove and re-grease the bearings of those components or would they just have to be replaced?

With AC switched off, only the pulley on the front of the compressor turns.
Is it an M54 or a N46?
If it's the 6-cylinder then the compressor is on a separate belt, so you could remove that to check.

 

[bigwinn]

I don’t want to send you off changing parts that might not need replacing

However I’d be looking next at the water pump purely as the sound has the characteristics of block noise (to me)

 

[LP-Revolutions]

Could be a noisy bearing from the alternator or ac compressor

It seems to be narrowing down to something like that. Would it be possible to remove and re-grease the bearings of those components or would they just have to be replaced?

With AC switched off, only the pulley on the front of the compressor turns.
Is it an M54 or a N46?
If it's the 6-cylinder then the compressor is on a separate belt, so you could remove that to check.

It's an M54, 6-cylinder. I've ran it without the belt for the compressor before (and it still squeaked), but I will try it once again because that was before I had gone all out and changed all of the pulleys, belts, and tensioners. If It still squeaks then what would it narrow it down to? The alternator and the water pump? Thanks.

 

[LP-Revolutions]

I don’t want to send you off changing parts that might not need replacing

However I’d be looking next at the water pump purely as the sound has the characteristics of block noise (to me)

Noted. I'll also look into that and I'll report back to the group. Thank you.

 

[bigwinn]

With some manoeuvring you may be able to get a long metal bar onto the area to listen to the noise

 

[LP-Revolutions]

I don’t want to send you off changing parts that might not need replacing

However I’d be looking next at the water pump purely as the sound has the characteristics of block noise (to me)

Noted. I'll also look into that and I'll report back to the group. Thank you.

Today, I removed the drive belt and the squeak completely went away. The alternator bearing moves smoothly and freely. I'm likely going to change the water pump next. I hope that will finally resolve the issue.

 

[LP-Revolutions]

I don’t want to send you off changing parts that might not need replacing

However I’d be looking next at the water pump purely as the sound has the characteristics of block noise (to me)

Noted. I'll also look into that and I'll report back to the group. Thank you.

Today, I removed the drive belt and the squeak completely went away. The alternator bearing moves smoothly and freely. I'm likely going to change the water pump next. I hope that will finally resolve the issue.

Hey y'all! I'm just writing in again to inform all of you that I ended up changing the water pump and that resolved the noise issue!! I went ahead and kept the new belts, belt tensioners, and pulleys in place. I'm so happy to have my Z4 back...Thanks for all of your suggestions and insights! Cheers!!

 

[Street]

Great to hear and thanks for coming back to close the thread off. Another pointer for someone in the future