What would make this sound?

[SaltLifeCI]

Hey guys,

Since starting with this X a couple of months ago, I took the path of replacing older parts, while I had covers/ fans off etc.

The alternator was bad when I picked up the vehicle from my friend who's had it since new. So I replaced the alternator, looked thru her receipts and replaced other parts like the thermostat and housing, water pump while I was replacing the alternator.

i.e parts nearby since the car has 200k miles on it and it had been a while since those parts were replaced...

The idler pulley spun off without much warning (crazy I know) so I bought all three pulleys new INA brand + belts which were Continental brand.

Now the engine has a squeak or chirp. With the pulleys being new could I have gotten a bad pulley?

Also the power steering seems heavy to me, but I don't drive this X5 much. Its on the property for towing a small trailer or if someone needs an extra car. Everything I drive is new to newer, so I'm not sure if theres an issue with the power steering? or if its just a 20+ year old vehicle.



Any help is appreciated, I read several posts that say get a stethoscope. I can't get one locally, so I'll have to order one if thats recommended.

Thanks!

[andrewwynn]

You can use a dowel or large screwdriver vs. stethoscope but I would do one simple test first.

Stop the fan from spinning. When engine cold it doesn't take much force I do it with my fingers but I recommend a piece of foam outer rolled up paper or cardboard.

If the chip changes is the fan clutch.

The uncommon source is the harmonic balancer and those are costly so let's hope it's not that.

[SaltLifeCI]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

You can use a dowel or large screwdriver vs. stethoscope but I would do one simple test first.

Stop the fan from spinning. When engine cold it doesn't take much force I do it with my fingers but I recommend a piece of foam outer rolled up paper or cardboard.

If the chip changes is the fan clutch.

The uncommon source is the harmonic balancer and those are costly so let's hope it's not that.

Ok I'll try that and post a video. The car is still warm I'll give it a bit then post a new video with the fan stopped.

Thanks so much!

[SaltLifeCI]

Ok we can't stop the fan... So that leaves the harmonic balancer? or theres something else to check?

I have to say we had a really good laugh with this test.

Man from Internet says stop the fan.
Woman says um really? Is that safe?

Man from internet says I use my hands

Woman

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by SaltLifeCI

Ok we can't stop the fan... So that leaves the harmonic balancer? or theres something else to check?



I have to say we had a really good laugh with this test.



Man from Internet says stop the fan.

Woman says um really? Is that safe?



Man from internet says I use my hands



Woman

Just remember that a lot of us are veterans and may have aftermarket parts...🦾 or might look like a sheet metal worker ordering 4 beers



But seriously if it is cold then the viscous clutch shouldn't be engaged.

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[andrewwynn]

Turn off car and spin the fan by hand. If the engine is cold it should turn quite easily. If the fan clutch is locked you risk sending the blades though anything in their path usually coolant hoses and reservoir. I've seen dents from the bottom of the hood. If it doesn't spin easy remove the fan before it self destructs. If you are in the northern hemisphere writer started two days ago you can lesve it out while waiting on a new clutch.

https://youtu.be/lozXFFwfok8?si=miNsPN7dS3hGjqhE

This usually works to remove the fan but learn from my mistake; let the pressure/vacuum out of the coolant reservoir first and put a rag over the upper hose. I broke my thermostat in half once when the upper hose was stiff due to being cold and under vacuum.

[SaltLifeCI]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Turn off car and spin the fan by hand. If the engine is cold it should turn quite easily.

Yes the car is overnight cold, and the fan moves by hand. I wouldn't call it a spin. The fan moves a couple of fan blades then stops. Does that make sense? To move it more than one or two blade spaces, I have to physically move the fan blade again.

Thanks for the video, I saw that one previously. I had the fan clutch off previously, and it was OE from '02. The X now has 208k on it. It's probably due right?

What brand is good?

[SaltLifeCI]

Originally Posted by EODguy

Just remember that a lot of us are veterans and may have aftermarket parts...🦾 or might look like a sheet metal worker ordering 4 beers

I might be right there ordering a few beers LOL

[EODguy]

It's good to have you and every e53 owner here. You'll find tons of tips and diagnostic shortcuts from all over the world. You can even find what NOT to do, usually something I did....

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[andrewwynn]

When cold you should be able to hold the fan back with a rolled up newspaper etc. If you can't I suspect the clutch is defective. I think I'm used to the fan spinning about half a turn when I spin it