My '96 pontiac sunfire is making a rattling sound coming from the fan belt, what could...

[SexyArmyWife]

My '96 pontiac sunfire is making a rattling sound coming from the fan belt, what could...

...it be? It kinda sounds like a screw or washer wrattling, but I am not sure . Its been doing this for about 1 yr. now, but I am scared to take it to get looked at around my area, they tend to rip women off. Can anyone give me a hint as to what could be wrong? thanks so much!
YES, my car does have a fan belt!!! I am blonde but not dumb@!!!! I know this cause i had to put it back on when it poped off years ago!! Also, there is this plastic black piece, where all the lights and stuff are covered by, its at the top of the car, right when you open the hood. I accidently broke all the little plastic things to hold it down, but it still sounds as if there is a nut,screw or something rattling around in there. Its very annoying!! I know my fan belt screaches too. ERR, its just agravating! thanks for the advice so far! ~b

 

[bear]

I suggest you check(or get a friend to) for loose fan bolts.Also check that pulleys and mounting for the alternator ,a/c pump,etc are solid.This means anything the fan belt drives.Twist belt to see underside to see if is coming apart.If you have to take it for service,take someone with even if they just stand by and look wise!Best Wishes.

 

[MikeyDo]

Without actually hearing it, I can't say for sure. My best guess is water pump. It has a pulley driven by a belt on the passenger side of the engine. If the pulley can be wiggled, then the pump must be replaced. Ask around for a recommendation for a good, honest mechanic and have him check it.

 

[Jumbo]

^^like Mike said, there is a belt, doesn't mean it's a "fan" belt...some vehicles have idlers, water pumps, power steering pumps, alternators and fans running on belts, with 2, 3 or 4 different pulleys to check. Find a mechanic you think you can trust(ask friends, family, and don't go alone). Ask to look under the hood with him.

______________________________

 

[Shups]

A Little Water?

Hi,
Try this, if you have a spray water bottle, set the spray for a solid stream of water and spray it on the inside edge of the belts while the engine is running.
If the noise goes away then you need a new belt, and dont buy a cheap one or you will have the noise again.
Belts can make noises you wouldn't beleive, Honest.
Good luck,
Shups