Bearing or Tensioner Noise on 2006 Elantra GLS??

Discussion in 'Hyundai Elantra / Lantra' started by Don Allen, Feb 23, 2006.

  1. Don Allen

    Don Allen Guest

    I have a new 2006 Elantra GLS with only 675 miles, which has developed
    its first (seemingly) abnormal noise. I say "seemingly," because
    perhaps it's normal. I plan on taking it in to the dealer for a
    listen, but also thought I would post it here in case anyone
    (Hyundaitech?) may have any ideas.

    The noise appears to occur when the engine is at operational temp, and
    is most noticeable from around 1900 to 2100 RPM. The noise is present
    at in Park or Neutral, or when driving at those RPM ranges.

    I wish I would include a audio file, but it sounds kind of like a low
    to mid-pitched "rrrrrrr" with a lower-pitched rumble (almost like a bad
    bearing). It's coming from the crankshaft and accessory belt drive side
    of the engine (left-side when facing the car). I spent some time with
    a mechanic's stethoscope this evening, and couldn't come up with
    anything localized or definite. I do know it's coming from the
    bottom-half area of the timing belt cover area, but it's really hard to
    pinpoint the source.

    I know it could be anything, but is it normal for the timing belt
    tensioner to make some noise? If not, and if it's the timing belt
    tensioner, do they prematurely (infant mortality) fail occasionally?
    Another possible source may be the AC belt tensioner, below the AC
    compressor. Or, possibly even the alternator bearing. I know I'm
    grabbing at straws here, but it certainly doesn't sound normal, and
    neither my wife or I have heard it until today, as the car makes more
    noise even at idle than before.

    The only thing that I've ever heard even close to the "rrrrrrr" sound
    is what some of the GM X-series (Celebrity, 6000, Cutlass Ciera, etc.)
    cars used to sound like from inside the cabin, and I think that sound
    was transaxle related.

    Obviously, it's off to the dealer for some troubleshooting. I just
    hope the tech can hear it . . .
     
    Don Allen, Feb 23, 2006
    #1
  2. Don Allen

    BillyGoat Guest

    That sound was coming from the timing chain in those cars. I had a Pontiac
    6000 with the Iron Duke engine (I4, half of a V8). I grew to love that
    engine and sound. I could be standing on a street corner waiting to cross
    and would hear that noise, look around and pick out the GM car it was coming
    from. I know the 2006 Sonata engines have a timing chain, does the Elantra
    also?
    bill

    --



    GM X-series (Celebrity, 6000, Cutlass Ciera, etc.)cars used to sound like
    from inside the cabin, and I think that sound was transaxle related.
     
    BillyGoat, Feb 23, 2006
    #2
  3. Don Allen

    Don Allen Guest

    Hi Bill,

    No, the current generation of Elantra uses a timing belt. This sounds
    like possibly a tensioner noise, as there are two belt tensioners on
    this engine. One for the timing belt enclosed underneath the timing
    cover, and the second is for the AC drive belt, and it's located
    directly beneath the AC compressor.

    At least you know the noise I'm talking about! Perhaps I can use this
    analogy to the Hyundai mechanics when I take the care in for an
    inspection. You're certainly right - you could hear those cars coming
    from several hundred feet away!
     
    Don Allen, Feb 23, 2006
    #3
  4. Don Allen

    hyundaitech Guest

    I've heardl those timing chain noises. The Elantra does sound like that at
    certain rpm's, but nowhere near the volume of the GM engine. You're on the
    right track. Take it in and have the dealer give it a listen. If you're
    not certain whether they'll detect or identify the noise, ask to have a
    technician listen in your presence. You can explain very well how to make
    it happen. Most techs will appreciate that over the service advisor's
    "Customer request check for engine noise."
     
    hyundaitech, Feb 23, 2006
    #4
  5. Don Allen

    Don Allen Guest

    Thanks Hyundaitech. I just came back from a test drive - to ensure I
    have all of the data I need before taking it in to the dealer - and I
    confirmed that the engine must be up to full operating temp prior to
    detecting the noise. I drove it a combo of in town and freeway for
    about 8 miles, and then pulled it into the garage for testing. In
    Park, the noise seems to peak around 2200 RPM, but is noticeable if you
    blip the throttle from idle. It actually sounds something like a small
    siren at around 450 to 475Hz. It's a hard sound to describe . . .
    almost a fan belt rubbing against a plastic cover or shroud.

    Just for a test, I checked to make sure turning the AC compressor on
    and off had any effect, and it does not. I've heard alternator
    bearings make this kind of noise before, but my check with the
    stethoscope didn't locate the source to the alternator. If I had to
    bet, it's related to a tensioner, belts, or a pulley.
     
    Don Allen, Feb 23, 2006
    #5
  6. Don Allen

    news Guest

    I remember the Iron Duke well, it was the first engine offered in the
    Pontiac Fiero.
    however, I didn't like the sound at all. at that time it was already 20
    years old, if my memory serves me right.
     
    news, Feb 23, 2006
    #6
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