Hey everyone. I need your expertise in identifying the engine noises in the below two sound clips. I have a 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD with approximately 75,000 miles. I live in North Carolina and the low temperatures are in the 30's and highs of 50's right now. Click each of the links below to hear the sound clip.

First one, this is the rattle noise I heard this morning when I first cranked up the car and let it idled. The raspy, rattle noise lasted for about a minute. I started the car later in the day and never heard the noise again. it sounds as if it's a bad bearing or something near the pulleys.
https://soundcloud.com/hai-26/acura-...engine-startup


Second one, this rattle noise occurs when I back up on my inclined driveway trying to get up past the curb..
https://soundcloud.com/hai-26/4g-acu...rattle-on-load

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I have two question and i hope others chime in with assistance and experienced information.

Q1- What condition is your timing belt in does it need changing in are your pulley tensioner (spell check) seems to be needing attention?

Q2. what grade octane do you use?

 

McKoy,
The car has been mainly in North Carolina and has not seen much adverse weather. i.e. Severely cold or extreme heat. TB has never been maintenanced. I may have to pull the covers off the TB and check.

I use 91 Octane, V power mainly at Shell. I just recently tried switching to Exxon 91 octane with same results on the normal ticking. The sound clip for the cold start up is a first time for me hearing that.

Thanks.

 

The first clip sounds like the issue I have experience too with the timing belt tension pulley (just like real_mckoy mentioned above). The second clip I have no idea what to hear first. Bunch of metal things banging against each other, doesn't sound too healthy overall. This could be the first time I hear a J engine with a belt that is not at top dead center? Remove timing belt covers and take a look asap.

 

I meant to say I use 93 Octane, not 91...

What issues did you have with the TB tensioner pulley?

I haven't had time to pull the covers off. I plan to do this in the upcoming weeks. I will be sure to post an update to this. I would be purely speculating at this point. Maybe someone else here had a similar sound with a failing part.

 

My car also sounds like a go-kart when i start it up in the morning, i have 79k miles and i can't figure out what the issue is...keep me posted if you solve it

 

The Timing belt pulley bearing seldom makes any noise. But check the drive belt tensioner pulley. Those will failed quicker as they are exposed to dirt and element more. Take off the belt and spin it with your hand. If it keeps spinning and doesn't stop right away, the bearing is worn out. Plus it's a $20 part at Napa and is easy to change.

Remember the drive belt pulley bolt is reverse. Clockwise is loosen.
Or go pickup a stethoscope at harbor freight for $5 bucks and examine where the noise is coming from.

 

I read in another post that it could be the external transmission filter...

 

i think the external transmission filter were for tl's year 2012+
OP said he had an 09

 

Loose heat shield
failing catalyst
bad tensioner on the accessory belt or timing belt
rubbing belt

Best thing to do is remove the belt and start from there.