Rattle in the serpentine Belt. Any Ideas? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

smokin' 89 · 06-05-2009, 09:10 AM

Here's what's happening...The car (2003 Solara 4 cyl) has a noticable rattle under the hood. When I first heard the car running, I figured it was the serpentine belt tensioner. I popped the belt off, and the noise goes away. So the noise is definitely in the belt path. All of the pulley run smoothly with no noticable wobble. The power steering pump has some noticable shaft endplay, but doesnt make any noise When I put a stethoscope to it though. I pulled the tensioner off of the car, and the pulley spins perfectly. The little shock on the tensioner has a ton of pressure, so I dont think that is the problem either. The waterpump spins freely with no noticable bearing noise, wobble or signs of leaking. The alternator was replaced about a month ago, so it's not the culprit. It's not the heatshield on the exhaust either. When I listen with a stethoscope, I hear noise on the tensioner, and the alternator, but both of those appear to be fine. Does Anyone have any ideas, Or had a similar experiance?

Hajoca · 06-05-2009, 09:58 AM

A/C compressor clutch bearings

smokin' 89 · 06-05-2009, 10:18 AM

I forgot to mention that I did scope the Ac compressor, and It makes no noise either, Actually there is no audible change when it is on or off. So , I would rule out the AC

oldschoolsolara · 06-09-2009, 10:43 PM

i have the same noise on my v6, driven me nuts but can't figure out. doesn't make any noise till car is warmed up. new timing belt and waterpump installed at dealer 6 months ago. everything else checked out ok......

smokin' 89 · 06-10-2009, 08:59 AM

Well, we figured out what the noise was. It was actually a combination of two failing components. First one was the water pump...the bearings were failing. Second problem was the alternator. I had replaced it about a month ago when it stopped charging. It turns out that it was defective, and we brought it back and it was replaced. Now she is quiet as a mouse again!

toytim · 06-10-2009, 09:48 PM

We have the same problem with our '00 Solara Convertible 4cyl. We replaced the timing belt and put all other new belts on but the noise is still the when it's cold, especially when you drive when it's not up to temp but then it goes away. Not sure what it could be either

but if you find it let me know. Thanks, Tim

toyotaholic · 06-12-2009, 03:44 AM

how would a failing alternator create noise?

smokin' 89 · 06-12-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotaholic

how would a failing alternator create noise?

One of the bearings was failing...so it started to make a rumbling noise when it was spinning.

oldschoolsolara · 06-24-2009, 08:26 PM

well, after replacing the number 2 pulley and getting the alternator rebuilt the"rattle" is still there. the only thing i have left is the number 1 pulley...

oldschoolsolara · 07-05-2009, 05:08 PM

noise is coming from behind front cam sprocket(better than the rear i guess). maybe it spun a cam bearing. anyone else have this problem?