[ln69bt]

I have a bmw 318i convertible 1995 160k miles 1.8 auto. Iv noticed when the car is ticking over there is a rattling noise, its not in a set pattern and its not a nocking sound .It also goes totally when its at any revs above tick over.

Iv asked a few people and they all say its common cam chain rattle, being old engine and not being a belt. What i want to know is. 1 will it most likely be that thats rattling, 2 what can i do to stop it and whats involved costs work time etc...

Any info would be a big help the noise is not that bad but can be annoying when the roofs down in traffic.

 

[xXNealXx]

At 160k miles, it may be time to change the chain tensioner.

 

[ln69bt]

At 160k miles, it may be time to change the chain tensioner.

Please could you give me some idea of the time it would take costs and could i do it or is it hours of work for a skilled person.

Thanks

 

[xXNealXx]

You can get an idea of what's involved with this DIY

 

[ln69bt]

reply

Thanks for that am i correct in thinking i may just be able to adjust the tentioner to stop the rattle or can it not be adjusted

 

[ln69bt]

Found the problem

Hello iv now found out its the belt that runs the power steering/waterpump and everything. When at low revs it seems to sort of rattle/shake, now and again but mostly when you use the power steering it makes it rattle like mad. Also the power steering in the morning and sometimes and at full lock it makes a skweeking/ belt slipping noise. The belt seems to be in good condition and is nice and tight, what i want to know is how can i sort the power steering pump out, it seems as tho its struggling to do its job so taking more power from the belt and making the car go up and down revs making the belt rattle.

Thanks in advance.

 

[xXNealXx]

If you think the pump is the problem, then you are better off changing it. Have you checked the PS fluid?

 

[ln69bt]

Thanks for the reply what am i looking for with the fluid and also whats involved in changing the pump thanks

 

[xXNealXx]

No.1 below is your PS resevoir located in the engine bay. No.2 has a built in dipstick, so check this out first :thumbsup.

 

[LGB]

The noise could just be the belt tensioner/idler. They make a stange rattle or chattering type noise when the bearings are worn in them. Worse when cold & under load, i.e using power steering etc. Take the belt off & give the pulley a spin it should be smooth & have no play. Even the slightest noise or roughness when turning it can be amplified a huge amount when under tension from a belt.
My old Peugeot 306 had exaclty the same symptoms, squeeking, rattling, ticking. Really bad on a cold damp day.

 

[ln69bt]

Thanks for the pic i have one with a built in dipstick. Is there any was of seeing if the liquid is no good and also whats involved in changing the belt tentioner what am i looking for thanks.

 

[ln69bt]

The noise could just be the belt tensioner/idler. They make a stange rattle or chattering type noise when the bearings are worn in them. Worse when cold & under load, i.e using power steering etc. Take the belt off & give the pulley a spin it should be smooth & have no play. Even the slightest noise or roughness when turning it can be amplified a huge amount when under tension from a belt.
My old Peugeot 306 had exaclty the same symptoms, squeeking, rattling, ticking. Really bad on a cold damp day.

Just want to ask my belt when making the noise atually shakes you can see it did yours do that also.

 

[LGB]

Yeah it did, but that was mainly down to a slightly slack belt.