Engine Rattle Diagnosis [video]

[Silver71]

So my GSX started making this new rattle this week. It is the worst when the engine is cold and not warmed up. When the engine is at operating temperature, the sound seems to lessen or go away altogether.

My initial thought was a pulley of some sort, or a water pump issue. The car may be due for timing belt/water pump job (don't know when previous owner had it done, 130K on it now).

Please have a look at the video I shot and uploaded on YouTube, and let me know what you're thoughts are!

Thanks!

*EDIT* See post #9 for updated video

 

[Kruger]

Does the sound go away when you push in the clutch? It could be the clutch release bearing (if you have a 5speed)

 

[Lou98GSX]

i would start by taking one belt off at a time to see if it goes away

 

[Silver71]

Does the sound go away when you push in the clutch? It could be the clutch release bearing (if you have a 5speed)

No. I can have the clutch depressed while parked and it has no effect on the sound.

i would start by taking one belt off at a time to see if it goes away

Lol, OK? How so? Take off a belt and start her up? I'll save that option for later.



Another note, the rattle frequency parallels RPMs; when I rev up, the sound interval speeds up with it.

 

[Kruger]

i didnt finish watching the clip. it sounds like its your power steering pulley.

 

[GSTurbo1]

take a long screw driver and rest it on power steering you should feel the scraping or whatever it is. If it doesnt show up the rest the screw driver on the alternator then try the block. When you turned towards the PS pump it seemed like it got louder

 

[Silver71]

i didnt finish watching the clip. it sounds like its your power steering pulley.

Thanks, that's where the sound is loudest from what I can tell.

take a long screw driver and rest it on power steering you should feel the scraping or whatever it is. If it doesnt show up the rest the screw driver on the alternator then try the block. When you turned towards the PS pump it seemed like it got louder

Did this. Actually, I sensed no vibrations from the power steering mechanics, but that doesn't automatically rule it out. The pulley could be vibrating on the stationary pump.

I did feel some vibrations off of the alternator. But maybe the location it's mounted can play a role in this?

Questions: are either of these issues common on 4G63s?

Can one replace only a pulley or shaft, or does the entire power steering pump/alternator need to be replaced?

The only things this belt is running is the alternator and power steering, correct? As in, no MAJOR damage would be done if the pulley came off and the belt broke? Worst case scenario I lose power steering or the car dies on the road and I call a tow truck?

 

[Kruger]

Feel under the power steering pump for leaks. The pulley appears to wobble in the video (but its hard to see)

Chances are, if its the power steering, youll end up getting another whole pump.

There are options like rebuilding it (if its the problem)
heres a link:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...4-how-rebuild-modify-power-steering-pump.html

 

[Silver71]

After looking at it in the daylight with a buddy, it seems to be more like the water pump. The sound seems to be coming from behind the timing belt cover.

I checked the cooling system, and I still have good levels but there may be air in the system.

I'd really like to get the timing job done, with all the pulleys and water pump replaced. I'd also like to get the valve cover and head gaskets replaced as there is a little oil coming off of each

I've uploaded a new video (daytime). Have a look at this one and let me know you're thoughts:

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[Bantamboxer]

Did you ever have any luck finding out what this was? Mine Is doing the exact same thing and I'm leaning towards oil pump... I'd much rather it be a pulley or the water pump. Keep us posted what you came up with. Thanks!