Rattling noise possibly VANOS?

[TheDan]

Hi guys,

Went out to the shops (scenic way of course) and when I was pressing on a bit, with the engine already up to temperature, there is a slight metallic rattle coming from the engine bay. Its more noticeable when letting off. Its not present/noticeable at idle.

Is this the VANOS rattle that occurs often in these cars?

I'll get a code reader on it later today to see if there are any VANOS related issues.

 

[Chippie]

I can’t really help but others maybe able, what’s the mileage?

 

[colb]

Code reader is a good idea but worth checking all the idlers that the belts run around and the alternator for bad bearings, if need be take the belts off and spin wach of them to see if there is any noise or roughness detected. If they are noisy then replace. Mechanics stethascope might be useful to pinpoint any undue noises with the engine running.

 

[patriot66]

My VANOS rattle (before I rebuilt it) was at low revs under light acceleration. Not audible at any other time

 

[DMike]

I had a high pitched metallic noise from VANOS, like tambourine jingles, at 1500 rpm. Many have also described a noise similar to marbles in a can. But like colb said, several other potential sources and a stethoscope would help to pinpoint it.

 

[TheDan]

Thanks for the responses

Car has done ~75,000 miles.

Good idea, checking the belts. I'll do that this week.

Despite being reasonably capable with vehicle repairs, I have never heard of "mechanics stethoscope" let alone know how to use one. I've googled it and found out what it is. Any advice on how to use one? I have not noticed the noise at idle, maybe its there and I just can't hear it. I assume this is where the stethoscope comes in?

 

[DMike]

I have not noticed the noise at idle, maybe its there and I just can't hear it. I assume this is where the stethoscope comes in?

I the noise can be reproduced when reving up/down, then this is where the wife comes in :lol: Train assisting person to hear the noise and rev to reproduce it. Then, with the stethoscope against the suspected source of noise, you can really pinpoint the source.

If the noise can only be heard while driving at speed, I don’t encourage this methodology.

 

[TheDan]

I the noise can be reproduced when reving up/down, then this is where the wife comes in Train assisting person to hear the noise and rev to reproduce it. Then, with the stethoscope against the suspected source of noise, you can really pinpoint the source.

I will try revving it tomorrow and seeing if I can hear the noise. It will definitely need warming up thoroughly as it only makes the noise when the car is hot.

If the noise can only be heard while driving at speed, I don’t encourage this methodology.

I don't see why not? I'll be the one driving not the one strapped to the engine bay :rofl:

 

[DMike]

I the noise can be reproduced when reving up/down, then this is where the wife comes in Train assisting person to hear the noise and rev to reproduce it. Then, with the stethoscope against the suspected source of noise, you can really pinpoint the source.

I will try revving it tomorrow and seeing if I can hear the noise. It will definitely need warming up thoroughly as it only makes the noise when the car is hot.

If the noise can only be heard while driving at speed, I don’t encourage this methodology.

I don't see why not? I'll be the one driving not the one strapped to the engine bay :rofl:

When driving and reving you’d have to have bonnet open. Therefore you cannot communicate with the assisting person, unless you phone her. And speaking on the phone while driving is dangerous.