Rattling Noise on front of engine

[Railroadman]

I have been hearing a rattling noise under the hood on my 98 gmc sonoma 2.2. After i replaced the catalytic converter i decided to remove the belt and crank the engine to see if it quieted down. I was told it sounded like the torque converter or the harmonic balancer. After removing the belt i fired it up and quiet as a church mouse. I believe it is the alternator because it whines as speed increases. Anybody had this problem? Thanks Railroadman

 

[Molson02536]

I have been hearing a rattling noise under the hood on my 98 gmc sonoma 2.2. After i replaced the catalytic converter i decided to remove the belt and crank the engine to see if it quieted down. I was told it sounded like the torque converter or the harmonic balancer. After removing the belt i fired it up and quiet as a church mouse. I believe it is the alternator because it whines as speed increases. Anybody had this problem? Thanks Railroadman

It could also be your clutch fan that's going bad, most of the time is your alternator is rattling. Chances are that it's gone bad and is not charging the battery and other electrical components on the Sonoma.

Inspect your clutch fan and the tension pulley for any signs of wear and excessive play.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Railroadman]

Thanks i haven't thought about the fan clutch. I did have the alternator replaced back in 2004. I turned all the pully's by hand and i could not feel anything obivious while i had the belt off except the fan and i also replaced the tensioner pully not long ago because it was making a lot of noise and squealing. Thanks Again and i will check on the clutch fan. Railroadman

 

[Railroadman]

Update on Rattling Noise

I had my truck in the shop for starter problems and asked the mechanic to check and see what he thought about the rattling noise i'm hearing. It turns out what i had suspected was right. The Alternator bearing was about to lock up. It was charging fine but raising cane. He replaced the bearings in front and back and the engine compartment is quiet now. Thanks for all suggestions.
Railroadman