I hope I'm in the right place...

My 2004 MCS (R53) started making a strange noise (see YouTube video).*

It typically is heard during first start after sitting a while. Really noticeable during first AC on however it doesn't require the AC to be on for the noise to show up. I noticed it at a drive thru since it bounced off the wall and I've been trying to track its location for some time now.*

It's coming from the rear of the engine compartment but I can't pinpoint it. I just noticed tonight that it shows a drain in voltage when the noise is present...which happens suddenly and quickly then sort of tapers off never to be heard again until after a long park and a restart.*

- AC is cold.*
- Power steering feels the same.*
- Power steering fluid is good.
- Brakes feel the same.*
- All fan motors turn on/off and spin freely.*

Working from an iPhone so I hope I got the YouTube link correct.

 

Cant watch at the moment but I'm guessing the harmonic balancer **** the bed.

 

SOLVED!! Thanks for the help?

PS...it wasn't the crank damper.

 

Care to share what it was?

 

After almost a month since my original post for help I get 1 shot in the dark answer and 224 views later and no comments I've realized that if you want silence just ask a technical question. Hahaha

I disconnected the power steering pump fan and the noise was gone...reconnected and the noise returned. So tore the fan apart. Cleaned and lubed it. Reconnected it and everything was quiet...like hunting rabbits quiet. Haha

So my conclusion is power steering pump fan...

 

At least I tried...

PS:

 

Yes yes...you did. And you also replied on the day I posted. At least you took a shot just sayin it would have been good to hear may options whether wrong or not.

Don't take my comment and my disappointment wrong. I've been kicking back watching here for a long time and heard lots of good advise when people have trouble...I guess I caught the forum Ina bad month. Haha

I did check the fans to make sure they all came on and shut off as required I just didn't think about disconnecting them. I've heard the PSP fan make noise before but this was unlike any I've heard before. It was hard to track down. I had hoped it was the crank damper going out since I'm still running on the original...but no luck there...I'm just waiting for it to go any day now since I have a 2004 with just over 60k.

Thanks for trying...at least you did!!! Hopefully my next problem will be resolved with your comment. Peace...

 

Silence happens. Either guys had no answers to your noise, were too engrossed w/ other threads....so many excuses.
I advise against waiting for your damper to go. It just happened to me at 45k mi on the road. Regretted pushing it back. Keep a dampened aftermarket pulley ready. The OEM will definitely go.

 

Haha I was just messing with you I try to contribute what I can on here albeit wrong sometimes (a lot of the time). Glad you solved it

Great...45k and a failed damper...I'm at 48k...guess I have a new expensive item to add to my list of parts I need to buy...

 

I'm all about silence as proof check my post count. Haha...but I'm very active on AtlantaMINIS.

And yes I know I'm pushing it with the crank damper. I just keep putting it off. Good thing WMW is right down the street. Way has done plenty of work for me and he keeps pushing the ATI and that's about to happen. I'm think the 2% overdrive to help out a little with the 15% pulley. I'm not expecting much but ever little but helps.

I still plan to listen in here and may become more active since this seems to be a much bigger venue. I'll keep in touch. Deuces \V/

 

I had that same nosie. But mine quit on its own. Then the power steering went out. I also had my idler pulley chirpping away. As far as the damper i got my 04 s with 35k miles its got 195k now and i haven't put a damper on it.