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Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Tue May 15, 2018 10:18 pm
by X5-D-Sport
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.

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Wed May 16, 2018 12:40 pm
by X5-D-Sport
I read, that it's possible the oil pump its self may work loose & then lose oil pressure ?

Any one heard of this ?

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Wed May 16, 2018 9:14 pm
by henrym3
I would have thought that acceleration would cause more noise/problems than lifting off

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Thu May 17, 2018 5:45 am
by IanP
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.

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Thu May 17, 2018 2:52 pm
by themoog
What about the flex plate or torque converter? They can sound similar to bottom end.

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Sun May 20, 2018 2:30 pm
by X5-D-Sport
Moog....
Please explain the Flex-Plate noise potential ?

Cheers
Grant B

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 11:07 pm
by X5-D-Sport
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 ??

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Tue May 29, 2018 5:57 am
by themoog
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.

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Tue May 29, 2018 9:36 pm
by X5-D-Sport
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...?

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Wed May 30, 2018 6:57 am
by themoog
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.

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Wed May 30, 2018 10:18 am
by 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

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Wed May 30, 2018 9:58 pm
by X5-D-Sport
Its a 3.0 D-sport, not a V8, so I'm hopeful removing the starter will be straight forward.

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 1:58 am
by briankerrys47
[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

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 9:54 am
by lezmtaylor
You are welcome !!!!!!!!!!!!

Lez

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

Re: Big End Bearing noise - D-Sport Facelift

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:37 pm
by X5-D-Sport
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 ?