Hamster Wheel squeak, Now cold morning whining sound????!!!!!
 

My X5 has been doing this for some time now but, when the car is idling it has a squeaky sound ( when I put it in drive its even louder than when in park) I know its not the belts I replaced both of them when I did work about 7 months ago (water pump & thermostat).

Now that we are having cold weather like 30° or colder it makes a odd sound on cold starts sounds like belt or something related and then it makes a moaning,whining sound then once it warms up it goes away. Only does this when its really cold.

Im leaning towards pulleys and belt tensioner.

Anyway have any suggestions?

Pulleys and tensioners would be the best place to start, IMHO.

Once upon a time, I ignored a slight squealing sound, until the pulley disintegrated and took out my water pump and fan... :(

Definitely start with the idler pulley and tensioner pulley.

They are the same exact part number, so if you're low on cash you can replace the tensioner pulley alone without buying the whole tensioner. If you can afford the tensioner, it's best to replace the entire unit though.

If that doesn't solve it I'd give the alternator a really good listen. Squeaking like you described could be the first stages of a failing alternator bearing.

Definitely start with the idler pulley and tensioner pulley.

They are the same exact part number, so if you're low on cash you can replace the tensioner pulley alone without buying the whole tensioner. If you can afford the tensioner, it's best to replace the entire unit though.

If that doesn't solve it I'd give the alternator a really good listen. Squeaking like you described could be the first stages of a failing alternator bearing.

Hate to sound lazy but do you know the part numbers? Or where to find them? Also how many pulleys are there that I need to replace? Is the AC compressor tensioner ever come up as a problem?

Just noticed you have a 3.0

For the Alternator/Water pump

Deflection pulley - 11287841228

Adjusting pulley - 11281748131

For the A/C compressor

Adjusting Pulley - 11287512758

Thank You man!!!

No problem...