chattering sound from the serpentine belt area 98 venture? maybe a pulley

[RocketRacer]

I have a chattering sound coming from the serpentine belt and pulleys area, anyone have an idea what this might be and how much it will cost to have fixed? (sounds like maybe one of the wheels are lose, but I’m not sure.)

[AJT1961]

When was the last time you changed the belt? If it's been a while (e.g. 35-40,000+ miles), change the belt and see if the noise goes away. It's not very difficult to do yourself, just follow the diagram under the hood. A worn serpentine belt can make some really strange noises -- it's not like the old v-belts that used to simply squeal.

[pastorjason]

ac compressor might be going bad - mine die and made a rattling sound for quite some time before I had it replaced

[localyokel]

Hi,you may be able to tell which pulley it is by removing the belt and spinning the pulleys and feeling them for looseness.If antifreeze is present around the water pump area thats a dead give away thats your problem and they are non expensive and eeeasy to replace on your van.If you cant figure it out go to your local auto parts supplier and get a stethescope with the long stem on it.While engine is running carefully touch a stationary part behind each pulley (not a moving part) you will be able to figure it out that way power steering pumps are always loud through the stethescopes.You listen for the same rythmic noise your hearing from outside the van only very much amplified.good luck!

[denyp]

Originally Posted by RocketRacer

I have a chattering sound coming from the serpentine belt and pulleys area, anyone have an idea what this might be and how much it will cost to have fixed? (sounds like maybe one of the wheels are lose, but I’m not sure.)

I had this with my 97 venture. I replaced a few pullies, waterpump and belt. I had a little sideways play in the power stering pump pully but didn't think it was critical. This was a wrong assumption. It toasted on me one the road between home and nowhere. Cost me $450.00 AND A DAY MISSED AT WORK TO HAVE the pump, resevor and belt replaced on the road. Check the power stearing pump pully if there is any sideways movement, replace the pump now!

Deny