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Thread: Weird ticking/rattling metal knocking sound

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Lebanon
    Posts
    492
    My Cars
    E30 M3 S50B32

    Weird ticking/rattling metal knocking sound

    Hey guys
    Today the car suddenly started making this weird ticking/knocking sound at idle and when revving at standstill.
    It doesn't seem to be coming from the VANOS area, it sounds like it's coming from the crank area or maybe power steering pump.
    The oil seems a good level.

    I've uploaded 2 videos of the car at idle and revving as well to show the sound
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4XXT0FTiE4
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhRYSnQ3fYE

    What could this sound be? I'm not that familiar with it, i'm guessing could be the timing chain tensioner needs replacement? did the oil pump come loose or something?
    Btw, on the drive back home it seemed to go away and not tick or rattle anymore.

    Thanks

    Edit: I'm starting to think it's the idler pulley or something similar, it kind of sounds like it could be, plus i remember for a while the car was making a little squeeky sound from the belt when warm, since it's been raining lately it went away. I thought initially the belt might be worn out, but i'm starting to think it could have been a bad pulley and it just went completely bad or something today?
    Last edited by liquidtension; 12-26-2019 at 01:05 PM.
    1987 BMW M3 S50B32 engine swap

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Sydney,Australia
    Posts
    198
    My Cars
    99 E36 M3
    Sounds like the water pump or power steering pump going bad.

    I've had an idler pulley for the serpentine belt bearing go dry but it exhibited a more consistent sound than what I'm hearing from yours.

    Put the tip of a long flat bladed screw driver to the pumps, the end of the handle to your ear and you'll be able to tell if it's for sure.

    Good luck

    P.S. I just noticed you're in Lebanon !
    Ahla !
    Last edited by Mr M3; 12-29-2019 at 02:42 PM. Reason: Edit typo

    99 Anniversary Edition - E36 - ///M3 - Cosmos Black - SMG - Extended Nappa Leather -
    S50B32 - 236 KW - 320 HP

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Lebanon
    Posts
    492
    My Cars
    E30 M3 S50B32
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr M3 View Post
    Sounds like the water pump or power steering pump going bad.

    I've had an idler pulley for the serpentine belt bearing go dry but it exhibited a more consistent sound than what I'm hearing from yours.

    Put the tip of a long flat bladed screw driver to the pumps, the end of the handle to your ear and you'll be able to tell if it's for sure.

    Good luck

    P.S. I just noticed you're in Lebanon !
    Ahla !
    Ahla!

    Thanks for the help, i appreciate it. I drove the car today, sound seems gone but the belt area is kinda churning a little, put some water on the idler pulley it went away.
    I think i'll remove the belt soon and see the idler's condition and change it (i have a good spare one anyways).
    I'll definitely try out the long screwdriver method if the noise comes back, thanks!
    1987 BMW M3 S50B32 engine swap

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Sydney,Australia
    Posts
    198
    My Cars
    99 E36 M3
    All good Brother
    I hope it is kind to you.
    The idler pulley is very easy to replace. I did mine a few years ago when I replaced the original serpentine belt. It wasn't too bad, a bit dry but I decided to do it anyway.

    Nice swap in the E30 by the way. I bet it's a rocket !!

    All the best for the New year man.

    99 Anniversary Edition - E36 - ///M3 - Cosmos Black - SMG - Extended Nappa Leather -
    S50B32 - 236 KW - 320 HP

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Lebanon
    Posts
    492
    My Cars
    E30 M3 S50B32
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr M3 View Post
    All good Brother
    I hope it is kind to you.
    The idler pulley is very easy to replace. I did mine a few years ago when I replaced the original serpentine belt. It wasn't too bad, a bit dry but I decided to do it anyway.

    Nice swap in the E30 by the way. I bet it's a rocket !!

    All the best for the New year man.

    Thanks you too!
    1987 BMW M3 S50B32 engine swap

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