When I run the AC or heater I hear this metal rattling noise.?

Question

The noise especially happens when I'm idling with the AC and heater is on. I finally got the 3rd ford dealer to hear the same noise i was hearing and they said it was the tension pulley is bent and the belt needs to be replaced. I don't see the pulley running wobbly or feel that the belt is loose. This garage i use sees the same thing i do, but to make sure i was ok they would change it cheaper than the dealer $60 compared to $400. I'm also taking a trip from VA to TX n a week. should I just change them? HELP!

Answer 1

Belt pulleys and tensioners go bad all the time on most cars.  If that is was is making noise you should have them replaced, they could lock up and then the belt brakes and you are stranded on the side of the road.  $60 seems way too cheap to be replacing parts and including labor. Make sure they are using new parts.

Answer 2

60 dollars is usually just for a belt. it sounds like the bearings in the tensioner pulley are going out. when the stress of the air conditioner is loading down your belt systems its putting extra pressure on the tensioner causing your noise. have your shop change the tensioner pulley and the belt should be no more than 200 dollars.  ford trucks and explorers are bad about the tensioners going bad and the part is very common at local auto parts stores. if you want to go cheaper than 200 dollars you can buy your own parts and have the shops install them for labor only.  you will not have a warranty at the shop but you will get away cheaper. the reason you hear it when the heater is on is because some vehicles turn on the ac compressor when you kick on the defrost so in the winter time your airconditioner system get lubricated to prevent premature failure. i hope this helps if you have any more questions email me. I am a diagnostic technician specializing in engine performance problems and air conditioning.

Answer 3

Trust them, but dont pay untill the problem is fixed. Sounds like a pully problem to me.

Answer 4

it would be a real good idea if your going to change the belt to change the tensoner also if its bad they will make the noise your hearing,if it fly,s apart you,ll be paying a lot more in repairs on the road than it will cost you now to get it repaired,when your on the road the repair cost almost triples what it will be right now,good luck with it.

Answer 5

Bearing in the Tensioner (Top & Bottom) sounds like they are bad, That will wear and strach to Belt too, But with the Heater involved sounds more like a Loose Blower Mount and/or Blower Motor Going Bad. "Check and Test the Blower Motor First!"