[ssullivan86]

I have a 99 Astro, the van runs and drives fine. The only "issue" with it is that when I go to accelerate, I sometimes hear a strange rattling coming from what sounds to be somewhere in the engine compartment under the hood. When I hear this rattling, there is no vibrations.

I have researched this and it looks like it could be something to do with the pulleys, specifically the tensioner pulley, or the serpentine belt. Am I on the right track here or does this issue raise other (more likely) culprits?

Thanks for the advise.

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

I had a tensioner pulley go out in my Crown Vic and it would only rattle at low idle speeds or in gear...once the idle was brought up a little it was queit. So, I would almost think that wouldn't be it. Is the tensioner moving a lot? Put the A/C on too...that should cause more load on the tensioner and cause it to move more if that is the problem. No movement then usually they are just fine.
Could be your alternator going out? It can charge just fine, but get very noisy....and it sounds like a rattle too.
Use a long extension or something made of metal to find the rattle with the motor running.....stick the metal extension or whatever to suspected rattle and then to your ear.

Nick. :mrgreen:

 

[gtkane]

Just be careful when using an extension as a stethescope...touch the belt or pulley and you'll shishkabob your brain.

Try running it in the driveway with the belt removed(only for a minute or two) and see if the noise goes away.