Hi all,

For a couple of weeks now I've noticed a strange and constant noise in the engine compartment. It seems to be coming from the left side near to the power steering pulley. It goes like crack crack crack from the moment I turn the engine on. I've read elsewhere that if you overtighthen the ps belt the bearings will get damaged, but what if no one has touched the ps belt, can they get damaged too? My car has close to 65k miles and has generally been well cared for.

Any suggestions will be appreciated,

Thanks

 

It may be the belt tensioner.

 

Increases w/ engine speed? Try using stethiscope to pinpoint the source.