Rattling Noise 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan

2002 Dodge Grand CaravanI have a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.3L, it makes rattling noise when the engine is running. It has 133,000 miles on the odometer. It doesn’t overheat, the water gauge is less than half. I don’t know if the noise comes from water pump/power steering/AC/Belt. It has no coolant leaks. Changed the thermostat cause it was not heating fix it, Any advice..??


RESPONSE

The first thing I would recommend would be to determine if the engine rattling noise is internal or external. There is a quick way to find out. Remove the belts from the engine. Once the belts are removed, start the engine for a brief moment. If the rattling noise is still there, you know it is internal in the engine. If the noise is gone, you know it has to do with one of the components that associate with the belt. Withe the belt off, spin the pulleys and listen for any abnormalities. This will help indicate the problem component.

BELT ADJUSTMENTS

Satisfactory performance of the belt driven accessories depends on proper belt tension. Belt tensioning should be performed with the aid of Special Tool 7198. Because of space limitations in the engine compartment, the use of this gauge may be restricted. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and the remove the splash shield to gain access to the drive belts, if necessary. Adjust belt tension for either a New or Used belt.

BELT DESCRIPTION

The drive belts are a Poly-V type belt . Belt widths vary depending on the various engine and accessory packages. Satisfactory performance of these belts depends on belt condition and proper belt tension.

BELT OPERATION

The accessory drive belts form the link between the engine crankshaft and the engine driven accessories.