Engine Rattle, Petrol

**JB007** · 1st August 2011, 16:26

I have a 52 reg 1.8 sxi Vectra.

Last couple of days I have notice a engine rattle, sounds like bottom right (drivers side). Seems to be getting louder as time on. I took it into my local garage (not main dealer), that I use for services, MOT, etc. They had a ggod look for over an hour. Checked the pulleys, belts etc. Could not find anything wrong. I suggested perhaps it's the water pump on it's way out? They wre not sure. Their suggestion..."wait until it breaks down and then we will know". Erm thanks.

**Das** · 1st August 2011, 16:40

LoL, id bin that suggestion............. Sounds like water pump or possibly the belt tensioner too. When was the last time it had a timing belt W/P change?

**JB007** · 1st August 2011, 16:46

Cam belt etc changed at 76k, now on 116k (16 months ago)

**Das** · 1st August 2011, 17:13

VX/Gates or pattern parts? What about the water pump?

**JB007** · 1st August 2011, 17:29

Water pump not been changed since I've had it, or I believe when the cam belt was changed.

All points to the water pump me thinks.

**Das** · 1st August 2011, 17:48

Yea Id agree with that

**JB007** · 2nd August 2011, 08:56

Hmm...now driving to work this morning, the power sterring warning light came on. Lat week had a service and this was topped up, not leaking though. Could the "rattling" be the power steering pump and or related? Not sure where the power steering pump is? Would thought near the top of the engine, this rattling is bottom right. ?

**Das** · 2nd August 2011, 12:32

Power steering light generally means the Alternator's on its way out, suppose it could be the bearing in the alternator that are shot. Take off the Aux belt and see if the rattling goes. Stick a multimeter of the battery terminals with the engine running, should be between 13.5 and 14.4 for a healthy charge.

**JB007** · 2nd August 2011, 13:47

ok mate. Been doing some research and it could well be the alternator not the water pump.

**JB007** · 3rd August 2011, 05:51

well, after a drive home from work the power steering light didn't come back on. However the tapping/knocking has got louder and now have a squealing/whining noise. The garage is having it back today for more investigation work. I told them about the power steering light, they said "hmm, those cars don't have a power steering warning light". I may be taking it to the wrong garage!

Anyway, it's going back in this morning. They are going to take off the cam belt etc and test the pulleys, water pump, alternator. I still think it's the water pump that is failing and the whining noise confirms this for me as the bearings are about to give up the ghost.