02 Cav. making bad noises!

[LindaJT]

I have a 2002 cavalier, 2.2L standard transmision. I was at a stop light when it suddenly sounded someone was rattling a metal can filled with marbles under the hood. I drove it home (1 hour trip) and the engine ran fine, no warning lights on, same gas mileage, no loss of power, ect., just that loud noise! (the noise is there both when idling and driving). It was originally diagnosed as a bad drivebelt idler pulley, but that was replaced and the noise is still there. Anyone have any idea what might be causing this? I can't afford to pay a garage to take it apart and guess, so any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

[public]

Check your exhaust system, could be making contact somwhere.

[Classicrocjunkie]

Possible A/C compressor... that makes a tinging noise..

[LindaJT]

I have checked the exhaust and that is tight....

Would the a/c compressor make that noise if the a/c isn't being used?

Thanks for the suggestions....got any more?

[Cava_Z]

Originally Posted by Classicrocjunkie

Possible A/C compressor... that makes a tinging noise..

Actually, it's when the A/C is not in use when it's most likely to make that noise and it goes away when you turn on the A/C. Turn on the A/C and see if the noise stops and if it does have your compressor checked.

[bigdaveangell]

Originally Posted by LindaJT

I have checked the exhaust and that is tight....

Would the a/c compressor make that noise if the a/c isn't being used?

Thanks for the suggestions....got any more?

I doubt its the ac compressor unless its just the pulley. There is a clutch that engages the pulley to the compresser when the ac is turned on

[public]

Perhaps you have a metal can filled with marbles under the hood.

Sorry. I am afraid you are going to need to get under the hood while the car is running in the driveway and listen to narrow down where it is. You may find a mechanic's stethoscope very handy. You can get one at any parts store for $10 or so. Good Luck.

[bigdaveangell]

a screwdriver will also work to pinpoint where a noise is coming from

[public]

Originally Posted by bigdaveangell

a screwdriver will also work to pinpoint where a noise is coming from

Yep, I used one for years. Also had a setion of a broom handle. Both worked fairly well. The just stetho' is nice because you hear in both ears.

[LindaJT]

Well, I have had to break down and take the car to a garage....I will post the diagnosis in case it would be of help to anyone in the future.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

Linda

[noshun]

Originally Posted by LindaJT

Well, I have had to break down and take the car to a garage....I will post the diagnosis in case it would be of help to anyone in the future.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

Linda

Is you clutch acting the same, ei is it slipping at all? It may be a busted spring on the pressure plate if you exhause every other mentioned possiblity. With the screwdriver they meant rest your ear on it with the meatl end touching parts of the motor. just in case that was unclear!

[LindaJT]

The clutch is fine....no problems there. They seem to think the noise is coming from inside the engine, so my fingers are crossed and I am praying that it is something simple and CHEAP to fix!

Thanks again,

Linda

[Classicrocjunkie]

I still say is your A/C compressor... i had that annoying noise from mine and had it replaced..

[noshun]

Originally Posted by LindaJT

The clutch is fine....no problems there. They seem to think the noise is coming from inside the engine, so my fingers are crossed and I am praying that it is something simple and CHEAP to fix!

Thanks again,

Linda

Hope it's not a piston hitting a valve for your sake!! Good Luck

[LindaJT]

Good news! I just got my car back and it was the idler pulley for the drive chain. The mechanic stopped by my house to listen to the noise, came back and towed it to his garage AND dropped it off at my house after fixing it. He did all of this for only $154! Thanks for all of your suggestions!

Linda