93 GA GT Engine Noise

I have a 93 GA GT that started making a loud metal rattling noise while idleing as soon as i step on the gas it goes away. I have removed the serpintine belt started the engine and the noise went away. I replaced the alternator because it squeeked when it rotated and i thought it was the culpret. No such luck.. I have now purchased a water pump and plan to replace it thinking it is the problem. While the belt was off I spun the power steering pump and it didn't make any noise, i also spun the tensioner it too was quiet the only two things i didn't spin were the a/c comp and the w/p a/c because the noise was not comming from that area more from the crankshaft area.. could it still be the harmonic balancer? or do you guys think it is the w/p like I do?

Mike
Plano, TX

After more troubleshooting.....

I took the belt off agian and spun the a/c comp no noise... and the water pump.. no noise... now i have now idea where the noise is comming from... it's so frustrating...

Mike
Plano, TX

Check for play in the pulleys. the rattling noise doesn't come from rotation on a pulley, it comes from a bad bearing with strain put on it rotating. I myself would blame the water pump but I've also seen a/c clutches on grand am drive people nuts with trying to fix their rattling car. Before you decide to change the water pump check to see if it's leaking from it's drain hole, it usually does when the bearings or seals go bad.

Does this motor have an idler pulley on a tensioner?....most common culprit that I have seen for front motor noise involving the belt.

Hi i HAVE A 93 GT ALSO AND MINE WAS DOING THE SAME THING UNTIL I REPLACED THE AC COMPRESSOR. MINE HAS BEEN QUIET EVER SINCE.

I have a 93 GA GT that started making a loud metal rattling noise while idleing as soon as i step on the gas it goes away. I have removed the serpintine belt started the engine and the noise went away. I replaced the alternator because it squeeked when it rotated and i thought it was the culpret. No such luck.. I have now purchased a water pump and plan to replace it thinking it is the problem. While the belt was off I spun the power steering pump and it didn't make any noise, i also spun the tensioner it too was quiet the only two things i didn't spin were the a/c comp and the w/p a/c because the noise was not comming from that area more from the crankshaft area.. could it still be the harmonic balancer? or do you guys think it is the w/p like I do?

Mike
Plano, TX

I just had this same problem with my '93 GA SE 3300 V-6. It turned out to be a problem with the Harmonic Balancer seperating on the outside hub from the rubber in the center. A good way to check if this is the problem is to check to see if you can move the pulley on the altenator by hand when the engine is not running. If you can, look down at the Harmonic Balancer and see if the center bolt that goes through the center of the Balancer also moves when you move the altenator pulley.
If it does not move, your noise is coming from the Harmonic Balancer jerking backing and forth when it is in motion. This problem drove me nuts trying to find where it was coming from. I hope this helps you with your problem.

Good Luck,
Dave
Kingwood, WV