Squeaking / Chirping Cold Start
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 67
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E63 / S55 / SL55 / E550
Squeaking / Chirping Cold Start
Losing my mind on this! I've got a 32K mile 2006 S55 AMG that starts up and CHIRP-CHIRP-CHIRP. It's maddening, and the sound increases frequency as RPMs increase. It does go away after the car warms up. I replaced the serpentine belt and the sound completely went away... for a month. I have a mechanic suggesting I replace the belt tensioner which is expensive, but I don't want to throw money at this and have it go unresolved.
I've read thread after thread on this and everyone says "fixed!" -- then weeks later, "it's back." I've read about forum members throwing thousands at this problem and not finding a solution. Any suggestions or experiences you can share about this?. Btw if I spray water in the area of the serpentine belt it temporarily goes quiet.
I've read thread after thread on this and everyone says "fixed!" -- then weeks later, "it's back." I've read about forum members throwing thousands at this problem and not finding a solution. Any suggestions or experiences you can share about this?. Btw if I spray water in the area of the serpentine belt it temporarily goes quiet.
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Smile friend! My intermittent chirping noises turned out to be a front main bearing spinning; followed with a bearing shell getting spat into the chains.
That it changes when applying water to the belt says you know where to look.
Scare up a steel wire brush the size of a toothbrush. As it idles use the brush on both sides of the belt. This will remove any ick on the belt. Don't lose any fingers!
Long screwdriver.... As it idles put the pointy end on the center of idlers and your ear to the other end. You will hear a bad bearing.
Do the same with the water pump on it's housing. A/C compressor. ABC pump. Alternator.
Are coolant or engine oil getting on the belt? The front of the engine should be DRY. If not solve those issues.
That it changes when applying water to the belt says you know where to look.
Scare up a steel wire brush the size of a toothbrush. As it idles use the brush on both sides of the belt. This will remove any ick on the belt. Don't lose any fingers!
Long screwdriver.... As it idles put the pointy end on the center of idlers and your ear to the other end. You will hear a bad bearing.
Do the same with the water pump on it's housing. A/C compressor. ABC pump. Alternator.
Are coolant or engine oil getting on the belt? The front of the engine should be DRY. If not solve those issues.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 67
Likes: 6
E63 / S55 / SL55 / E550
Smile friend! My intermittent chirping noises turned out to be a front main bearing spinning; followed with a bearing shell getting spat into the chains.
That it changes when applying water to the belt says you know where to look.
Scare up a steel wire brush the size of a toothbrush. As it idles use the brush on both sides of the belt. This will remove any ick on the belt. Don't lose any fingers!
Long screwdriver.... As it idles put the pointy end on the center of idlers and your ear to the other end. You will hear a bad bearing.
Do the same with the water pump on it's housing. A/C compressor. ABC pump. Alternator.
Are coolant or engine oil getting on the belt? The front of the engine should be DRY. If not solve those issues.
That it changes when applying water to the belt says you know where to look.
Scare up a steel wire brush the size of a toothbrush. As it idles use the brush on both sides of the belt. This will remove any ick on the belt. Don't lose any fingers!
Long screwdriver.... As it idles put the pointy end on the center of idlers and your ear to the other end. You will hear a bad bearing.
Do the same with the water pump on it's housing. A/C compressor. ABC pump. Alternator.
Are coolant or engine oil getting on the belt? The front of the engine should be DRY. If not solve those issues.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 67
Likes: 6
E63 / S55 / SL55 / E550
Wanted to follow up in case anyone has this issue. Turns out the belt tensioner was the reason for the squeaking / chirping noise. It's been months now with a very quiet engine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 363
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
I was going to post this. Tensioner is a 5yr/50k mile thing. I've done two. Cold belt chirp even at idle, goes away once the car warms up. Supercharged engines will go through pulleys and belts. It's the price you pay to play. No biggie. It's better than turbo bearings.
maw
maw
