Squeaky m44

[Eazy_tom]

Hey guys my 97 318i squeaks a lot while running and I have no idea what it is.
I've changed the belts thinking it was that and it still squeaks.
Any ideas on what it could be? Its embarrassing

[nicknikolovski]

You need to be more specific. State conditions: hot or cold temp, increasing revs, at idle, while driving, while stationairy, etc. When does it happen and how?

The following is a scenario of what could happen but there are many causes of squeaks.
It could be the harmonic balancer/vibration damper which is attached to the front of the crankshaft. What happens is the rubber and metal can seperate in certain cases causing the the rubber to slip against the metal. This will cause a squeak particulary under load. It can be more pronounced when you are turning the steering to full lock or when the A/C is switched on.

Please get back to us with more info. Also is it a squeak in a pattern of noise or just full on squeaking all the time. When you removed the belts, did you check all the pulleys? Also is your car a manual or auto?

[DesktopDave]

Did you change the belt tensioner too?  Bearings will squeak like that and it can be surprisingly hard to pin down.  Usually I'll take the belts off & run the engine for a bit to eliminate possibilities one by one.  Alternator bearings, water pump bearings, bent adjuster mounts or bearings can make noises like that.

Low ATF level/oil foam/PS rack leaks in the PS pump circuit is also a possible culprit.

[Eazy_tom]

It happens all the time, cold, hot, idle, moving.
Dave, no I haven't changed the tensioner, I'll try what you said though thanks!