Rattling around alternator area when idling

[Thrill]

There's a rattling noise on my 1.2 Dynamique 54 plate around the alternator area (can hear it near the right wheel arch clearer) that sounds like a knocking, grinding noise. Doesn't happen costantly, stops and starts while idling. Only happens happens when idling. Recently had service, cambelt, aux belt. Noise was present before though. Anyone know what it could be? (and how much?) Thanks guys!

 

[montana]

vibrating exhaust heat shield?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Start by looking for anything that is loose nearby that could be vibrating, but grinding noises are generally to do directly with moving parts, so I would normally say it must be related to the belt or something it is driving but if its just been apart then I would hope that whoever did the aux belt etc would have noticed if it was actually something in that area, but only way to really be sure would be to just take the aux belt off and see if that stops it, but obviously only let it idle briefly to check rather than drive it of course!

 

[Thrill]

I think it could be one of those pulleys that the aux belt is on. I've noticed it actually does it once the car's been run a bit and then I leave it to idle a min and not from cold. I remember the mechanic saying, it disappears when he sprays water on it but left it at that.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Well if he just ignored the issue and put it all back together and it is a problem with one of the pulleys or something they are driving, then its going to cost you a lot to fix it as it will need to come back apart again of course.

 

[Thrill]

I hate noises like this I can remember asking him if the pulley was ok and he said they're all fine, but the noise still worries me. Maybe I should nip it back in after the new year and say the noise is getting on my nerves, can it be replaced.

 

[markkram]

Do you have air con? Air con pump clutch???

 

[Thrill]

Do you have air con? Air con pump clutch???

Nah I don't have aircon mate!

 

[Thrill]

Heres a link to the noise, this is just the car idling. You can hear the rattling noise, this is from under the drivers side wheel arch

 

[Chip-mk1]

Have you checked the bottom alternator bolt is tight?

 

[Thrill]

Nope, how would I check this best? Shall I just see if the alternator rattles?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Put a spanner on it and see if its tight

 

[Thrill]

The rattling grinding noise only happens when car is warm. Does that rule out that?

 

[Matt e]

Waterpump? Mine made sort of sound when my waterpump broke

 

[Chip-mk1]

The rattling grinding noise only happens when car is warm. Does that rule out that?

No as hotter bolts expand, so although unlikely its possible if its just slightly loose thats causing it.
Probably isnt that, but worth ruling it out seeing as it only takes a few seconds to put a spanner on and check, same goes for all the other bolts in that area TBH.

 

[Thrill]

I'll check the bolt later. Which one specifically we talking about? I don't really mess with stuff like this, but I'll give it a shot. It's done 4,000 miles with this noise, it doesn't seem to be getting any worse, my temps are normal. Thanks guys!