channelv

On my 99.5 1.8TQSTip, there is a rattling sound coming from my engine compartment that goes away after about 5 minutes of running the car. I opened the hood and the sound seems to be coming from a belt/pulley or the fan at the front of the engine compartment. I wasn't sure because I can only hear it when the engine is running, and didn't want to stick my hand in the belts area! Anyone ever had this before? It is not too loud, only audible when you are outside the car, not when doors are closed.

HDClown

sounds like the tensioner

Ti-Mike

I have the same noise in my 98, and it is more noticable before the car warms up and from the outside like you said.I don't know what it is yet but I don't think it's the tensioner. How many miles do you have on yours? Mine has 57.

brrman

I have the same thing - coming from one of the belts or tensioners... Can;t figure out what it is!

paul cormier

One of the belts... not sure which now, was missing some chunks on the inside where you couldn't see it. Mechanic sprayed silicone on it and the sound got much quieter. Replaced the belts, sound went a way.

Donovan

My car seems to always do this, and I thought I read other posts saying it was not a big deal. Anytime I hear tensioner or belts, I cringe!!

I replaced these at 60,000 miles and I'm currently at 105,000. I hope I don't have to do again so soon, I was hoping to wait until I hit 120,000 miles.

Mike2.8

Mine had a similar sound and it turned out to be a bad water pump.