So I just started noticing this noise about a month ago, its a little hard to explain but the noise sounds like its a compressor rattleing sound. I opened the hood and heard it below the timing belt, its weird because it is not consistent, it will do it when its cold being specific when I turn it on to go to work and when im going home from work, or when it sits for a while. The noise usually starts for about 10 sec. then go off and comes back on for 3 sec. then off again and back on for 5 sec. Very inconsistant.

The car has close to 92k and ahavnt had any of the belt or pump services. Any one have a clue of what this could be? Is something gettting ready to give out. Thanks guys.

 

Cant really say for sure with your description but possibly the belt tensioner

 

Is it loud enough that you can make a quick video of it? That may help.

 

Ya horrible description I know lol. Really it does it when its been sitting for some hrs, on the way to work it was doing it when I got there 20 mile commute. Are those pricey>?

 

Now that I remember, when in idle and I rev up to about 2k it makes the noise, so it is responsive with throttle response.

 

Would I damage anything if the tensioner was going bad and I left it like this for some more miles?

 

Well if the tensioner goes bad and belt get too much slack, alternator and AC compressor pulley could slip, which is bad. But I doubt the tensioner will give way all of a sudden. Should be more of a progressive failure.

 

Hmm, sounds like its time to make plans for the 100k service then.

 

Wait, were you talking about the timing belt tensioner?

I was talking about the serpentine belt tensioner.

 

Either one I guess, real noob here. Im pretty sure I dnt want either one to snap on me or break.

 

Ive herd from techs that tensioners make noise when going bad and sometimes after they warm up the noise fades away. It used to do it now its more constant the noise is.

 

If the noise goes away after it gets warm, I'd suspect the tensioner pulley. It's a very easy replacement.

But if you're getting the 105k soon, have them check it out