Bearings....of sorts..

[texaxile]

Hi,
The vehicle in question is a 2005 Mazda 6, 1.8 petrol.

I've got a metallic rattle coming from the Alternator / AC compressor / Cambelt side of the engine which is only evident sometimes upon very slight increase in load, then it stops, or during idle. It is intermittent during the rev range and no more noticeable when hot or cold.

I've checked exhaust brackets ,engine mounts and the pulleys for play to no avail. however the belt is still on and around the pulleys so it's tension might be holding them in place, but I've checked (gently) with a pry bar and there is no movement in any of them.

Someone suggested alternator or AC compressor bearings. Is there any way of finding out without taking belts off or removing each item to check?.

Thanks in advance, and a happy new year to all PH'ers.

Cheers
Pete

(edited for spelling)

[stevieturbo]

Large screwdriver, hold ear to handle and press metal end at noisy bit.

ie stethoscope

But it's more likely to be a tensioner than either the alternator or AC compressor. Plus the AC pulley will be free spinning if you arent using it, the actual compressor itself will not be turning

[Steve_D]

Does the noise go away when the A/C switches in?

The clutch on the compressor would definitely fit your Metallic rattle description particularly if it has a 'ring' to it.

Steve

[texaxile]

Hi,
Interesting Steve, as the OH usually has the AC on to demist the windows on her 2 mile journey to work each day..(you should have seen the crap out of the rear when I last booted it).

I'll try the screwdriver approach, and will post the results back when I've either a: lost my ear or b: found then problem.

[stevieturbo]

texaxile said:

Hi,
Interesting Steve, as the OH usually has the AC on to demist the windows on her 2 mile journey to work each day..(you should have seen the crap out of the rear when I last booted it).

I'll try the screwdriver approach, and will post the results back when I've either a: lost my ear or b: found then problem.

Just make sure when doing it....no long hair or any clothing will get wrapped up in the belts, dragging you in to a horrible demise.

If you actually have a stethoscope and stick a metal probe on the end, all the better. But you get the idea

[Steve_D]

Should add further if it is the A/C clutch then best to just live with it. Fits very squarely in the 'They all do that Sir' category.

Steve