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hello

When I let my M62 engine idle, the right side of the engine has begun to make a terrifying scream.

The following preliminary checks have been completed:
When you take the aux belt off, the noise goes away.
Pump for water: brand new, never used, runs smoothly

pulley wheels: new, no play smooth rotation
expertly restored alternator, runs smoothly
power steering pump: original.....

I'm leaning towards power steering pump as its the only original component - has anyone heard them sound like that before on a M62?

Thanks!

Pulleys, water pumps, and alternators have all failed on me, but I've never heard that sound before, so it's likely what you think.

I will go with LeeStu
I have never encountered one like that.
After installing a new alternator and a new belt, an irritating squeak emerged. I could not recall the cause, but it was ultimately determined that the belt was slightly shorter than required. I replaced it with another branded belt, and the issue was resolved.

Reminded me of a certain Rover 420DI. In any event, the timing case had lost a bolt and the timing belt was rubbing against the side of the casing, creating an asymmetrical sound. I know this isn't your exact scenario, but it was similar.

Due to its amplification in that region and its disappearance in the absence of belts, the noise must be either from the alternator or the PAS pump.

The alternator was repaired two years ago, but I've only driven it about 1,000 miles since then, so it could be a faulty rebuild.


I didn't want to spend the £950 that BMW quoted me for a new alternator, so I ordered a remanufactured pump from Vaico for £350 and a remanufactured alternator from Lucas for £240.

When it comes to the pump, my perspective is that I can always try to have the original repaired if something goes wrong.

In order to identify the offender, I will swap them out one by one.

After taking the belts off, the noise went away, which was a huge relief because it had sounded like it was emanating from beneath the valve covers. Otherwise, today would have been a nightmare.