sometimes, not always, i can hear kindof a chattering noise coming from the timing belt area. i *don't think* it's the power steering pump or alternator belts...im thinking this is an indication that the timing belt might be either too tight or too loose. there are no other symptoms besides this noise. could it be the water pump? kinda looking for a guess on a diagnosis before i take it apart. plz help i dont wanna **** something up down the road because the timing belt was too loose or something...

the engine is a d16y7, timing belt and water pump are only a couple months old and are honda oem.

thanks,
andrew

 

When did this noise appear? also check your drive belts for noise and movement.

Usually if the tensioner goes out it will be like a grinding noise since the bearing will go out.. But check your bolt that goes thru the tensioner and see if its loose,

 

I would guess too tight or too loose i don't think the tensioner could have gone bad already. And as posted above they make a differant noise

 

its only apparent somtimes, at idle, especially after driving at high speeds for a while like on the freeway and sometimes its not noticable at all.

 

well, came to find out its not the timing belt at all- it's tensioned properly. my alternator is what's causing the noise. doesn't surprise me since the headlights sometimes dim when i hit the brakes or use the turn signals....oh well...guess i'll need a new alternator soon.