Squealing sound on startup - 2001 x5 3.0i
 

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!

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

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

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.

:iagree: same on my x.

Thanks + question
 

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))

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

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.