Groaning noise after TB change

[Aleman]

Hey E30 hive mind -
Have you ever experienced a loud groaning noise coming from your running M20 engine following a timing belt change?
The noise was not there before the TB change, and it starts immediately when the engine starts.
It keeps making the noise even after reaching operating temp.
I suspect a faulty (new) belt tensioner, but I can't get my mechanic's stethoscope in there to confirm it. I did confirm it's not the alternator.
Any way I could confirm the tensioner w/o taking everything apart and basically re-doing the TB job?
TIA

[MrBurgundy]

post a vid

maybe PS fluid is low

har har har

[Aleman]

Low PS fluid groan would be a good description of how it sounds. None has leaked that I'm aware of, but I'll double check anyway - good suggestion. I have to wait till the Philly weather moves out of frozen tundra Hoth mode before heading back out to the garage to make a vid.

[MrBurgundy]

I think the reservoir has an integrated filter as well. Maybe a combination of freezing temps, slightly dirty filter and slightly low fluid is making that pump choke a bit

[uturn]

Just remove the power steering belt.

[roguetoaster]

Just remove the timing belt.

That'll teach that engine to make weird noises.