96 sunfire making weird flapping noises

[nyczfuker]

Hi
I'm still kinda new to cars so im not really sure what my problem is or if it is a problem at all.
I drive a 96 sunfire sedan in auto with the 2.2L engine and 84k on it. I was wondering why it makes a weird flapping noise while the car is either driving or idle. Kinda makes my car look and sound like a hoopty . Can anyone tell me whats wrong with my car?
TY

[tuxxer]

Originally Posted by nyczfuker

Hi
I'm still kinda new to cars so im not really sure what my problem is or if it is a problem at all.
I drive a 96 sunfire sedan in auto with the 2.2L engine and 84k on it. I was wondering why it makes a weird flapping noise while the car is either driving or idle. Kinda makes my car look and sound like a hoopty . Can anyone tell me whats wrong with my car?
TY

This flapping noise , is it like when you stuck hockey or baseball cards in the spokes of your pedal bike as a kid ?

Tuxxer

[nyczfuker]

yes
pretty much something like that
(god im sucha noob when it comes to cars =] )

[tuxxer]

Originally Posted by nyczfuker

yes
pretty much something like that
(god im sucha noob when it comes to cars =] )

The only thing I could think of , was that since you mention that it happens at idle, that eliminates any airflow over the body , during motion. So from here , check the fan cowling , to see if you have a loose bolt , or somthing jamed into the rad ,thats hitting the fan.

Tuxxer

[nyczfuker]

i think the sound is coming from the engine though... =(
is there a fan in there?
sry again~

[tuxxer]

Originally Posted by nyczfuker

i think the sound is coming from the engine though... =(
is there a fan in there?
sry again~

Unless that car is air cooled , there is a fan in front of the engine.

A thought strikes me here , I think it should be on your driver side , where the door meets up with the body by the hinges. Look for a plastic door where your fuse box is, make sure thats closed. It will be on the side of the dashboard.

tuxxer

[nyczfuker]

k thx ill take a look at it and ill let you know what happened

[nyczfuker]

well its wasnt the plastic door but im pretty sure the sound is coming from the alternator. do they all do that or do i need to get a replacement?
thx in advance

[KaiyaRain]

I have a 95 sf, and went to nyc not long ago, on my way home I just made it over the whitestone onto the hutch and I went to hit the gas and was total butter, nada, I freaked! Here it was the alternator bearings, blew right outta tha back of it!!
We were in tha left lane (2 lane road) with traffic going 60-70. It was real scary... better to be safe then sorry.. Not too much $$ to fix either. :-)