Diagnosing weird sound from engine bay

[Turbodad]

I also have this problem. The sound goes away at 1100 rpm. I thought it was because of the bad motor mount. Changed the mount, sound persist, but dang the handling is better. While changing the motor mount I am sure i found the real cause. The power steering. The slash tray was soaked wil ps fluid. The top of the motor is wet with ps fluid. I did not have the time to pull out the pump because it requires moving the ac compressor, not a big deal but I'm not up to it right now, maybe later this week. Car is a 2001 tiptronic with a swapped 3.2.

[ndfrigi]

any update of your issue?

if still trying to find the sound, try to remove the engine cover access behind the seats and then find a plastic tube to use like a stethoscope while engine running. Try to listen to your water pump, various pulleys, AC compressor and alternator.
I eliminated several sounds from water pump, 2 pulleys and engine mount and now last one need to fix is my compressor but no time yet to do it. Currently I have around 107k on ODO.

[Xpit77]

As crazy as this sounds. Check the heat shields on the cats.They can rattle at certain RPM.Been there.

[sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by ndfrigi

any update of your issue?

if still trying to find the sound, try to remove the engine cover access behind the seats and then find a plastic tube to use like a stethoscope while engine running. Try to listen to your water pump, various pulleys, AC compressor and alternator.
I eliminated several sounds from water pump, 2 pulleys and engine mount and now last one need to fix is my compressor but no time yet to do it. Currently I have around 107k on ODO.

You got it. Water pump. And thank you for the excellent pics. I decided I didn’t want to mess with bleeding the coolant system tho. My first estimate was $1000 to replace the pump. A bit shocking.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by sfkjeld

You got it. Water pump. And thank you for the excellent pics. I decided I didn’t want to mess with bleeding the coolant system tho. My first estimate was $1000 to replace the pump. A bit shocking.

Thanks for posting the solution.

What's involved in bleeding the coolant system? Is difficult?

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Thanks for posting the solution.

What's involved in bleeding the coolant system? Is difficult?

When I replaced my WP I raised the rear of the car as high as my stands would allow... opened the bleeder valve... added coolant... revved... added more coolant... revved... repeat until the coolant level is to specs.

I then left the valve open for a few more days, drove around, and keeping an eye on the coolant level. Closed the valve and all has been good since.

You getting ready to replace your WP?

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Starter986

When I replaced my WP I raised the rear of the car as high as my stands would allow... opened the bleeder valve... added coolant... revved... added more coolant... revved... repeat until the coolant level is to specs.

I then left the valve open for a few more days, drove around, and keeping an eye on the coolant level. Closed the valve and all has been good since.

You getting ready to replace your WP?

Not planning on it anytime soon, but you never know. I was curious what's involved in it for when I have to. I want get as much info on these cars as I can.

[paulofto]

Just my 2 cents worth. If you get your hands on a Uview Airlift or equivalent, the vacuum of the coolant linesand refill of coolant is a piece of cake. I got mine from Princess Auto here in Canada for about $40.00. Makes the whole process very easy. You do need access to a compressor to run the device so maybe not for everyone.

[ndfrigi]

If you’re local I can do it for $250 on labor. hehehe

sfkjeld and piper6909, not really hard to replace it and just follow what starter986 instruction on bleeding. That is how I did on bleeding.

[ndfrigi]

more pics including one view from the bottom

[ndfrigi]

this is how I lift the rear when I replaced the water pump.