I have an 04 TL automatic and notice this weird noise from the engine bay. I have heard this for about a week. It tends to make this clanking noise repeatedly once its in idle. Not sure what the problem was so I took it to a local shop and they believe that the ac compressor was the issue. How could this be if my A/C is working perfectly. Anyone who experienced this or know what causes the weird noise, please help me out. Thank you.

Here is the link to have a better idea of what I'm talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzt19Dfil0k

 

Got it fixed. It was the tensioner pulley. I also replaced the serpentine belt as well as the idler pulley. The noise went away.

 

Did this noise occur with the AC on AND off? Mine has been making a similar noise, but, like u said, the AC works GREAT. I checked the charge on the AC and it is in spec. The noise is constant at idle with the AC turned on but more like your video with the AC off (kind of intermittent).

 

What year is your TL and how many miles you have?

 

'04 5AT Non-Nav. 128K miles. I believe it's the tensioner or one of the pulleys. I'm going to replace the entire assembly next week. Tensioner and both pulleys. I watched with the engine running and AC on and the belt/tensioner was bouncing like crazy. Turned the AC off and everything was stable. I also checked a few items with my stethescope and the AC compressor sounded fine. Actually, the idler and tensioner pulleys sounded OK also, but there is defenitely something up with those. Local parts store has one in their warehouse for ~$75. I should have it by Monday or Tuesday unless I drive up there and get it today.

 

I don't think its the A/C compressor either. Best bet is to replace the serpentine belt, idler pulley, and tensioner pulley. Get the Gate brand, it is close to the OEM brand. Good luck and hope you can eliminate the problem. Keep us posted.

 

I have the same problem, I thought it was the belt, changed it, but the problme persists. I have an extended power train warranty. Does any one know if the pulleys are covered under it. Thanks.

 

power train warranty wont cover that.

Let me ask you this question.
When the noise occurs. If you stand near your passenger side wheel well does it seem louder?


I went through a similar issue. Changed belts, tensioner assembly ( its now very easy for me to remove..lol ) and still the noise was there.
You have to check the heat shield bolt.

For this you need to jack the car up kind high and place stands underneath it.
The one bolt which was my problem is located right above where the rear downpipe meets with the cat. The loose bolt caused the shield hindge to move back and forth. Made a similar noise as the video above. Although once engine temps increased. The noise would go away.


PM me. im in queens too maybe I can help

 

any update?

 

Fixed my noise with the Dayco tensioner assembly. Both pulleys and the tensioner. Gates sold the same thing without the idler pulley. Same price too. The tensioner pulley looks like it's off by about 1/4 inch, but the belt is still on solid pulley. Just not quite centered. And the tensioner is clocked a little different. The stock size belt is a BITCH to get on with the Dayco tensioner assembly. But it will go.

 

Yeah I was going to say OP, sounds like the bearings are shot in one of the pulleys.......