Strange Noise

[pmcgrath]

I've got a strange noise that appears to be coming from the front driver's side of the engine bay. It sounds as if something is loose but can't find anything loose yet. Forgive the description, but it sounds like a light knocking/shudderring that seems to be coming from the alternator, a/c, power steering pump area. I removed the belt and noise was gone. I had the alternator rebuilt, the power steering pump removed and checked and noise is still there. We've put a stethoscope on the valve covers and seems quiet. Could it be a loose balancer bolt? I should also mention that the noise is easier to hear when the car is idling hot.

I'm looking for some more suggestions as to what this could be.

Thanks,
Paul.

 

[GSthunder]

I just posted the other day about this same problem. It was under the "Tensioner" post. Basicly,what I found was the entire driver's side accessory bracket had finger tight bolts. I was only able to find this after removing the AC comressor as the loose bolts were behind it. Put a wrench on the top alternator bolt and pull down. If the noise goes away, I'd be looking at those bolts.

 

[pmcgrath]

Thanks Al, I'll be sure to give that a try.

Paul.

 

[don86T]

Remove the belt again and check the idler pulley. If it feels rough when you turn it, just replace the bearing. I bought one from Graingers. It was an easy to replace and inexpensive just cross-reference the number of the old one.

Hope this is it,
Don

 

[Turbo Brian]

I had a problem after I installed a new belt. It seems that the aftermarket lists two different size belts for the GN. If memory serves me right, the engine requires a 635K6 but some computers list a 640K6 as the part number. There is 1/2 inch diference in size between them and this is enough to cause some strange noises(63.5 vs 64.0 inches).

 

[pmcgrath]

Funny thing is I installed a new belt this past summer as well. I ordered the shorter one as well. I still have the old one so I guess I could try that too and see if the noise is there. Thanks guys.

Paul.