Strange engine noise 4.4 need help!!!!!
 

I have an 01 x5 4.4 and got a strange engine noise and can't tell if its from the timing chain guides, fan clutch or the vanos. I have already replaced the timing chain tensioner but still have the noise.

Is there's a test to check for a bad fan clutch? Please excuse the bad video. This is at start up and what is the hmmming sound? It stays on for for a couple of minutes then goes off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBSNjI1eU


Thanks in advance for your help.

If you are about a vacuum alike noise,then it's your secondary air pump it stops later,right? If you are about the VANOS clunking,then it's the VANOS getting old.
I had my chain guides failed and it was way louder than that at the beginning while the chain was eating through the aluminum casing around it,when the groves were done,it was just the VANOS clunking as yours.
I am not trying to scare you on this one.I had a few timing related codes and aluminum shavings in the oil filter housing.

Thanks for your quick reply.. Should I be concerned about the secondary pump? and Yes it stops about 30 to 45 sec. To be clear, you think its the vanos and not the timing chain guides.

If water pump bearings are developing play, you will also get a noise that is tough to pinpoint. So just for the hell of it, grab your fan and make sure there is absolutely no play whatsoever (like wiggle a blade toward and away from radiator).

Ignoring this leads to the destroyed fans and related items you sometimes hear about. Anyway, this is a 5 sec check (one that I think everyone should do along with checking the oil while under the hood anyway), so no downside.

VANOS rattle doesn't stop at idle.
Leave the Secondary air pump alone unless you start getting the emissions related codes.
As the member above this post wrote,try shaking the fan clutch,just to confirm that there's no play.

Listen to what guides and VANOS sound like when you are in troubles.
Other than that,stop poking stuff in the engine bay just for it's sake unless there's a real problem,which will be more apparent that whistles,rattles etc once it's arrived.

Failed timing chain guides E53 M62tu44b - YouTube

sounds fine,that is your air pump.

Thanks

Thanks, but I am still concerned about the ticking sound. But I will follow your advice.

Have a look at this if you are still worried about your VANOS
These always get noisier due to some materials used getting degraded over time.if your timing chain guides are ok,then you have an option of just driving the way your X is or buy/rebuild and replace your VANOS units using this DIY Beisan Systems - Procedures - M62TU Vanos Procedure

e39 M5 S62 engine VANOS - YouTube