Significant vibration belt squeal and cut out??

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loogie1
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 151
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:00 pm

Post Mon Dec 23, 2019 7:51 pm

Hello all,

Today after three days of sitting idle tried to drive my E30 325i SE 1989 to work. Out of nowhere a significant vibration and belt squeal noise she cut out. Fired up on the key and ran ok until it happened again. This happened three times. Got to work, since then apart from just a slight belt squeal she’s driving fine! Looking for clues or previous experience to get an idea where to look as all looks and sounds ok??
Will have a thorough look on Xmas day nothing better to do ! :roll:
Happened whilst idling or low revs.
Thank you in advance.
Merry Xmas all.
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Brianmoooore
E30 Zone Team Member
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Posts: 49359
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:39 pm

Sounds like a bearing in the water pump or alternator has shed its cage, and is seizing occasionally, when all the ball bearings get together. Take the fan belt off and check for sideways movement and/or rough turning of either of these.
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loogie1
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 151
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:00 pm

Post Tue Dec 24, 2019 12:04 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:
Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:39 pm
Sounds like a bearing in the water pump or alternator has shed its cage, and is seizing occasionally, when all the ball bearings get together. Take the fan belt off and check for sideways movement and/or rough turning of either of these.
Brilliant, thank you very much.