Hi all,
Recently, upon cold start, I noticed a slight squeaking noise in the engine bay. It settled down after about 1 minute, but the next time I used the vehicle (several days later) it seemed to be a bit louder and took longer to go away. These symptoms started about 6 weeks ago as a slight squeak, but more recently (yesterday) has become louder and continues now for a while (3 minutes or longer) before disappearing. I don't drive the X5 daily (once a week at the most) and this all started after I last serviced it and de-greased the engine with a spray pack and hosed it off. I assume it's one of the pulleys - a/c tensioner, accessories tensioner or idler. I won't know which one it is until I take everything apart and since the vehicle is 11 years old, I thought it may be time to replace all 3, along with fitting new belts while I'm in there.
I'm looking for a heads-up from anyone who's done this: hints, part numbers etc. 2006 N-62 with 149,000 kms on the clock.
Should I be addressing anything else while I have things apart, like maybe the water pump? The only component that's been replaced (to the best of my knowledge) is the alternator - everything else is original, so I believe.
I had planned to use my much loved X5 to visit family this week in the city (900 km round trip) but am apprehensive now, not knowing if this could result in me becoming stranded on the side of the road and I must travel in some remote areas with no mobile phone reception
... advice readily accepted and appreciated.