Clacking noise from alternator area
 

The fun continues. After having the AC compressor, belt tensioner and rollers replaced (car is still at the shop) a new clacking sound emerges from the alternator area when the engine is revved. The clacking gets faster as the revs go up and tapers off as the car retuns to idle. A new alternator did not cure the issue. Anyone else experience this issue?

Check the declutching pulley on the alternator, they tend to make a loud "ratcheting" sound when they are dying.

Thanks JFP. Do you mean the pulley on the new alternator? My mechanic came into the shop to swap in the new one and it didn't resolve the issue. They'll have to pick up on Monday. Time to find a rental car...

And if you try to remove the pulley,you'll need a special tool. $8 on EBay. Part #2592. Need T50 bit also.

Yes, the make a racket when the pulley is bad. Very easy to confirm, just remove the belt.

Thanks JFP. Do you see a good reason going for the $208 Porsche OEM vs. the $48 OEM Supplier pulley? The cheaper one has a 24 month warranty.

btw, have you ever seen an AC compressor going out at nearly the same time as an engine issue?

had the same issue after replacing my alternator. turns out one of the bolts for the alternator wasn't fully tightened down and got itself loose. allowing the alternator to rattle especially when the engine rpm went up.

I would by lying if I did; we buy OEM supplier pulleys for the shop.

If the AC compressor is also out, I would check that for noise as well. Timing is probably just a coincidence.

Not the pulley. oh boy I've got engine issues. After the $2,000 AC repair...


This thing may be limping home from the repair shop into long-term storage.
A fitting end of summer after now $6,000 in repairs over the last 12 months.
I'll get the bad engine news tomorrow from the shop.

That absolutely stinks.