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vmhenry · 04-23-2009, 10:32 PM

I recently bought my 316i 97 and now when I start my car it makes a horrid screeching sound from under the hood.
Some of my mates say it sounds like the air conditioning...I myself have no idea.
My air conditioning unit turns on and off randomly though. It sucks when its raining out and I need to put my fan on but cant as the unit wont turn on.
Anyway, I have found that the longer I drive the car, the quieter the sound gets.
Any ideas please???????

Shocka · 04-23-2009, 11:25 PM

Sounds like a loose belt, alternator/air conditioner. Just loosen the nut/bolt on the slider slide whatever it is till the belt is tight. Then tighten the nut. Just an idea

vmhenry · 04-24-2009, 02:24 AM

Okay. I think I know what you are on about. I will say that I don't know much about cars. I will pop the bonnet and have a look tomorrow morning.
Thanks for your response though. any and all suggestions are appreciated.

**motoyen** · 04-24-2009, 09:04 PM

Power steering fluid low?

vmhenry · 04-24-2009, 09:33 PM

I'm not sure, I will check.
I noticed there is damage to this wheel thingy...yes I don't know what its called. Does anyone know if this would contribute to the noise?

Shocka · 04-24-2009, 09:51 PM

Looks like the power steering pump pulley to me. Maybe another... Somehow that got chipped the way it is. Find out why, and replace the pulley itself. Its probably chewing up your belt.

04-23-2009, 10:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
vmhenry newbie Name: Vaine Joined: Apr 2009 From: Waikato Posts: 3 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 1 0 Times in 0 Posts	1997 316i Makes Screeching Noise When Starting! I recently bought my 316i 97 and now when I start my car it makes a horrid screeching sound from under the hood. Some of my mates say it sounds like the air conditioning...I myself have no idea. My air conditioning unit turns on and off randomly though. It sucks when its raining out and I need to put my fan on but cant as the unit wont turn on. Anyway, I have found that the longer I drive the car, the quieter the sound gets. Any ideas please???????

04-24-2009, 09:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
motoyen M3 Less Name: Anthony Joined: Feb 2004 From: Vancouver Posts: 1,694 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 9 Times in 7 Posts motoyen's pictures	Power steering fluid low? __________________

04-24-2009, 09:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
vmhenry newbie Name: Vaine Joined: Apr 2009 From: Waikato Posts: 3 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 1 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm not sure, I will check. I noticed there is damage to this wheel thingy...yes I don't know what its called. Does anyone know if this would contribute to the noise? Attached Thumbnails

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04-23-2009, 11:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
Shocka Senior Member Joined: Jun 2008 From: Vancouver Posts: 362 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 4 11 Times in 10 Posts	Sounds like a loose belt, alternator/air conditioner. Just loosen the nut/bolt on the slider slide whatever it is till the belt is tight. Then tighten the nut. Just an idea

04-24-2009, 02:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
vmhenry newbie Name: Vaine Joined: Apr 2009 From: Waikato Posts: 3 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 1 0 Times in 0 Posts	Okay. I think I know what you are on about. I will say that I don't know much about cars. I will pop the bonnet and have a look tomorrow morning. Thanks for your response though. any and all suggestions are appreciated.

04-24-2009, 09:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
Shocka Senior Member Joined: Jun 2008 From: Vancouver Posts: 362 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 4 11 Times in 10 Posts	Looks like the power steering pump pulley to me. Maybe another... Somehow that got chipped the way it is. Find out why, and replace the pulley itself. Its probably chewing up your belt.

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1997 316i Makes Screeching Noise When Starting!