Rattle from front of engine!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 2
Rattle from front of engine!!!
I fired up my '99 to go to work this morning and there was a small rattling sound from the front of the car. Higher RPM = more rattle. I popped the hood and tried to listen for a minute and it sounded (to me) like it was coming from the front of the engine, but I didn't have time to really inspect cause I had to go to work.
I'm gonna inspect further when I get off work this evening, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what to look for/common problems. I've got to figure this out pronto though because I am driving across several states next week for Thanksgiving. Thanks in advance!
I'm gonna inspect further when I get off work this evening, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what to look for/common problems. I've got to figure this out pronto though because I am driving across several states next week for Thanksgiving. Thanks in advance!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,094
Likes: 7
From: Stillwater Oklahoma
I fired up my '99 to go to work this morning and there was a small rattling sound from the front of the car. Higher RPM = more rattle. I popped the hood and tried to listen for a minute and it sounded (to me) like it was coming from the front of the engine, but I didn't have time to really inspect cause I had to go to work.
I'm gonna inspect further when I get off work this evening, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what to look for/common problems. I've got to figure this out pronto though because I am driving across several states next week for Thanksgiving. Thanks in advance!
I'm gonna inspect further when I get off work this evening, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what to look for/common problems. I've got to figure this out pronto though because I am driving across several states next week for Thanksgiving. Thanks in advance!
THere are a lot of pulleys on the front of your engine that could be the culprit. Get a Mechanics stethiscope from your local parts store and use it to narrow down where the sound is coming from. If it is one of your pulleys, then that is an easy fix. Hopefully it isnt your Tensioner, GM is proud of those.. If it is the pulley on the tensioner, you can take it to a bearing supplier and they can match it and replace it for a ten spot (ask me how i know). Then you can take it to Napa and they will press the old one out and the new one in. The only other hard to find pulleys are those two idlers /tensioner ones for that 4 rib belt on your ac.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,476
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
As already mentioned, it could be as simple as a belt, tensioner, or pulley.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 2
just got back from lunch break, the noise got worse so I parked it and checked things further. It is indeed the harmonic balancer, wobbly as crap. the belt had walked halfway off. Is replacing this within Do-It-Yourself territory? tools aren't a problem, there is an Auto Hobby Shop here on base
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Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
just got back from lunch break, the noise got worse so I parked it and checked things further. It is indeed the harmonic balancer, wobbly as crap. the belt had walked halfway off. Is replacing this within Do-It-Yourself territory? tools aren't a problem, there is an Auto Hobby Shop here on base
Best of luck on your balancer swap!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,476
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
just got back from lunch break, the noise got worse so I parked it and checked things further. It is indeed the harmonic balancer, wobbly as crap. the belt had walked halfway off. Is replacing this within Do-It-Yourself territory? tools aren't a problem, there is an Auto Hobby Shop here on base
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 2
Ok, sorry to double post, but I have been trying to use the search function for like half an hour to find a how-to on replacing the HB. Does anyone know where to find this? Also, do yall think I should replace the tensioner too?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I don't know what keywords you used, but try this. I just found several pages of threads about the issue. I didn't read through all of them, but some contained hints, tools needed, etc.
In C5 Tech, use search this forum (in the red banner). Use keywords "harmonic balancer replacement".
After reading through those past threads, you might find someone close to you that could give you a hand. Or PM members who've DIY for additional assistance.
In C5 Tech, use search this forum (in the red banner). Use keywords "harmonic balancer replacement".
After reading through those past threads, you might find someone close to you that could give you a hand. Or PM members who've DIY for additional assistance.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Nov 19, 2009 at 04:53 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Basically, have to remove the rack through drivers side to get access to the balancer bolt.
You need some special tools to lock the flywheel, remove the balancer and to re-install the balancer.
Job is a PIA, but very do able with right tools. Also go with ARP harmonic balancer bolt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 1,879
From: Hot Springs AR
Assuming that the problem is the damper bolt has backed out and allowed the damper to walk forward, there's a quick, but I would consider short term fix.
Take out the old damper bolt (they're torque-to-yield) and replace it with a new OEM bolt. This is by far the easiest way, because you don't have to go through the time and effort to make room to R&R the damper. Note that the torque on this bolt is KILLER. IIRC 45 ft-lbs. PLUS 270 degrees!
If you don't torque it down correctly (and this is a BIG pull!) the bolt will eventually work its way loose.
Now, the long term fix is to replace the damper. The main reason is that while the damper was working its way loose on the crank snout it erodes the metal, which causes a looser fit, which puts more load on the crank bolt, etc. BUT, that should take a while to happen.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Take out the old damper bolt (they're torque-to-yield) and replace it with a new OEM bolt. This is by far the easiest way, because you don't have to go through the time and effort to make room to R&R the damper. Note that the torque on this bolt is KILLER. IIRC 45 ft-lbs. PLUS 270 degrees!
If you don't torque it down correctly (and this is a BIG pull!) the bolt will eventually work its way loose.
Now, the long term fix is to replace the damper. The main reason is that while the damper was working its way loose on the crank snout it erodes the metal, which causes a looser fit, which puts more load on the crank bolt, etc. BUT, that should take a while to happen.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 2
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 1,879
From: Hot Springs AR
Parts list is small: one damper bolt, one damper (if your're going to replace it at this time).
I just checked, and ajg1915 is right: you DO have to get the steering rack out of the way to get to the bolt.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Mike
I just checked, and ajg1915 is right: you DO have to get the steering rack out of the way to get to the bolt.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Mike
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
reason; airbag clock spring and steering position sensor.
Jack up the front of the car, remove both front wheels.
Disconnect tie rod ends from knuckles (Spindles).
Remove 13mm bolt from steering rod going to rack (drivers side).
Need 18mm flare wrench to remove power steering line.
Remove two 18MM bolts holding rack in place and then slide out. Make sure to disconnect electrical connector.
You'll need a drip tray or bucket to catch the PS fluid. Use a Turkey Baster to suck the fluid out of the PS resevoir.
Oh and watch out for your knuckle, gloves help.