Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

X5-D-Sport · Post by **X5-D-Sport** » Tue May 15, 2018 10:18 pm

As she revs up & goes thru the auto box, if I back off the power at higher revs, I can hear what sounds like the big-end bearings banging away...

It started 2 weeks ago & got gently worse... oil & filter change didn't improve it any at all...

So, I'm wondering if there is a diagnostic mode to check oil pressure, or a relief valve that fails, or any one know if the oil pumps are known to fail or reduce oil pressure ??

The engine has done 189,000 miles, & has had 8k oil changes for the last 60k miles...
The turbo is spinning freely, & no unusual exhaust smoke or crank case smoke from oil filler.
All the fluids are the correct levels & colours.

It does seem odd that this has suddenly happened in the last 3 weeks..

Any clues or ideas or other things that can cause this sort of sound.

X5-D-Sport · Post by **X5-D-Sport** » Wed May 16, 2018 12:40 pm

I read, that it's possible the oil pump its self may work loose & then lose oil pressure ?

Any one heard of this ?

henrym3 · Post by **henrym3** » Wed May 16, 2018 9:14 pm

I would have thought that acceleration would cause more noise/problems than lifting off

IanP · Post by **IanP** » Thu May 17, 2018 5:45 am

In my experience, failed bottom end bearings don't usually gradually worsen, they fail go pretty quickly. Is it a harsh rattle when you rev the engine at idle?
I have also seen defective injectors give the same noise without triggering any EMS light.
Maybe take it to a garage and See if they can connect a pressure gauge into the oil system to check the oil pump. They might also be able to pinpoint the noise.

themoog · Post by **themoog** » Thu May 17, 2018 2:52 pm

What about the flex plate or torque converter? They can sound similar to bottom end.

X5-D-Sport · Post by **X5-D-Sport** » Sun May 20, 2018 2:30 pm

Moog....
Please explain the Flex-Plate noise potential ?

Cheers
Grant B

X5-D-Sport · Post by **X5-D-Sport** » Mon May 28, 2018 11:07 pm

Update,
I drove through a tunnel/underpass today, & I'm absolutely sure the noise is NOT big-end bearings.
It is more of a rattle than big-endy.

I looked on you-tube, & there are known instances of E53's oil pump bolts working their way out & collecting in the sump, also the oil strainer getting clogged up...

But the noise is more clangy than bearings... possibly the starter ring plate loose ?
Any one come across this one ?

I had a thought, that if the big ends were knackered, the vehicle was pretty much scrap anyway, as it would be un-viable to repair or replace the engine, so it did 400 miles over the weekend with plenty of thrashings... so if it was oil pressure, the turbo or whole engine would have let go by now..

Question, if it is the starter plate loose, is there any chance of hand access into the bell housing by removing the starter & checking the starter ring plate secure or get a hand in to tighten the bolts ??

themoog · Post by **themoog** » Tue May 29, 2018 5:57 am

Probably not. There is a small access hole but when I looked in mine there didn't seem to be any room or bolts visible. If it is the flex plate then it will be cracked.
On mine I can hear a slight knocking on idle but it goes away when I drive. I spoke to a chap by me who is a auto trans specialist and had the same on his 4,4 range rover. He replaced the TC to fix it. He quoted me £1600 to do mine.
I may flush my trans fluid soon to see if that helps. Mine has been like that for nearly 2 yrs. Its silent when cold as well.

X5-D-Sport · Post by **X5-D-Sport** » Tue May 29, 2018 9:36 pm

I am also thinking, that if the starter motor is removed, it will be possible to wiggle the starter plate if it is loose, & / or possibly look for a crack too...?

themoog · Post by **themoog** » Wed May 30, 2018 6:57 am

Possible. I dont know how easy that is to remove on a V8. Our other X5 had the same noise too although not as pronounced. I had to really listen hard to hear it.

lezmtaylor · Post by **lezmtaylor** » Wed May 30, 2018 10:18 am

Not easy to remove starter on V8, but can be done (I am 75 and changed mine a couple of years back, without a pit)
Check Pelican Parts for a'' HOW TO'',they are American,but do brilliant job on how to's. Just google them

Lez

X5-D-Sport · Post by **X5-D-Sport** » Wed May 30, 2018 9:58 pm

Its a 3.0 D-sport, not a V8, so I'm hopeful removing the starter will be straight forward.

briankerrys47 · Post by **briankerrys47** » Thu May 31, 2018 1:58 am

[quote="lezmtaylor"]
Not easy to remove starter on V8, but can be done (I am 75 and changed mine a couple of years back, without a pit)
Check Pelican Parts for a'' HOW TO'',they are American,but do brilliant job on how to's. Just google them

Lez
[/quote]
How 'old' Lez can I claim the oldest on forum at 80 lol

lezmtaylor · Post by **lezmtaylor** » Thu May 31, 2018 9:54 am

You are welcome !!!!!!!!!!!!

Lez

Lez 'old' Lez can I claim the oldest on forum at 80 lol
[/quote]

X5-D-Sport · Post by **X5-D-Sport** » Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:37 pm

Update -
a friend & I went over the engine with a stethoscope & we are thinking that the noise may well be timing chain related.

If the tensioner fails or works loose some how, will this cause a bloody awful noise at gear change point on a D-Sport E53 2004 engine ?

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Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

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Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift