:(

 

started car this morning and it sounds like the alternator?? (its the top left as your looking at engine from front - could possibly be power steering pump) or water pump bearings have gone.

 

 

its gone from a rattle to a loud rattle with whining noises.

If power steering pump then would it whine on standstill and not touching the steering?

Im thinking alternator is at bottom of car.

 

I checked the water levels and all were ok until I got to work and realised I hadnt put the cap on properly. Only lost about quarter of a litre of water though.

 

topped up but noise is real loud now.

gonna limp it home later

 

what do you think it could be?

 

Thanks

topped up pas fluid, noise still there

sounds like a rattling from beneath the left cam cover :(

topped up pas fluid, noise still there

sounds like a rattling from beneath the left cam cover :(

Does it change with engine speed or is the noise independent of engine speed?

think it stays the same.

just gets drowned out a little with the exhaust

just checked - the rattling sounds the same but the whine (intermittent) raises with it. just noticed the cambelt cover moves with the noise - like its the belt rubbing on that??

 

I have a small video file with sound - just cant attach it :(

 

It sounds more like a rubbing cambelt cover now tho - but all screws seem tight.

dont start it again and take the front cover off and investigate. If the belt is rubbing it could jump a tooth or even snap etc. have a good look b4 driving it anywhere.

Cheers people - got it trailered home.

 

Thanks to Ryan (aka Baggins) for advice.

Also thanks to Luke @ ZCentre for sorting me out my Unorthodox Underdrive pulley Im putting on at the same time.

 

It was one of the cambelt cover bolt sleeves that hold the rear cambelt cover to the engine - it had undone itself and was bouncing around in the belt area - making hell of a noise.

Full strip down of all cover inc lower (hence replacing my u/pulley at same time - roll on Friday), showed bolt was nowhere to be found but metal sleeve fell to floor.

 

So - not only do I now know how to strip front end of car down - Im getting an unorthodox at same time :)

 

Thanks for all advice people