Thursday night my car started making this rattling noise when I was driving home. It would rattle for 3-5 seconds then completely disappear. It did this a few more times throughout the night. Its been consistent and rattles every now and then. I popped open the hood today and I believe the sound is coming from the top timing cover. Anyone have a clue? Thanks!

The noise really comes in around 37 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGSb...ature=youtu.be

 

Timing chain tensioner bad? Doesn't sound good. At first it just sounds like a time chain rattle, after that it sounds like the chain may be hitting the cover. I'm really no expert though. Maybe someone else will have a better idea.

If it is the timing chain though I'd be real careful. The VQ is an interference engine. If that chain goes it's going to crush your valves and destroy your cylinder heads. Good news is I've never heard of our engines ever throwing a timing chain before. Bad news is there's a first time for everything.

 

I think it might be the timing chain tensioner. I'm not quite sure what else it could be. Anyone know how much it cost to change the tensioner or timing chain guide?

 

It's not going to be cheap. Might want to take it for a few quotes. Just be warned, if that chain jumps...