Squealing sound on startup - 2001 x5 3.0i

[Werewolf]

Hi all,

I've noticed a high pitch squealing (mechanical not pig-like) when I start up the engine. It is most noticeable towards the end of cranking (engine starts, revs goes down, squealing). It lasts for a couple of seconds at most.

Is this an issue? Should I be worried? I went poking around with a flashlight, thinking it was a belt issue (looking at the accessory belt and couldn't see any cracking).

Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks in advance!

[rodberg007]

Not too sure myself but have you checked the oil level recently??...

[NOVAX5]

check your belts. 90% sure its the belt issue.

[Tomaz]

I agree, if not the belts, it may be the belt tensioner. If you're running the original belts on your 01' it's time for new ones.

[mrbmwx5]

Originally Posted by NOVAX5

check your belts. 90% sure its the belt issue.

same on my x.

[Werewolf]

Thanks for all the replies. While I have a mechanic look at the belts, what else should I ask him to examine?

(thinking water pump (on my 2nd one))

[JayX5]

Definitely check the belts..if the belts are new, you might just need to apply some belt dressing.

[ungcj]

You can test the belt issue easily. Just put some castor oil on the belt. Castor oil is a great belt lube. It keeps the belt soft and doesn't get glassy and hard on the belt like some of those belt sprays.