I just got my alternator replaced at 50k miles. Recently I have been noticing that my car has been making a steady rattling noise coming from the engine at idle, and sometimes when I start, it has a weird initial idle, and when it first turns over it makes a clicking sound like a belt is slipping. (I am not sure of this because it does not make a squeal, just a loud rattling sound.) I also got the alternator from the dealer (Surprisingly the cheapest part then everyone else.) I am going to take it to a mechanic to take a look, but if any one has any ideas that would be great. Thanks.

~Wolf

 

i am wondering if the idler pulley is shot from the alternator install. i went through one because the guy doing the udp thought he should use a kung fu grip on the tensioner. the bearings failed shortly and i replaced the tensioner.
if you are taking it someone, have them check the belt deflection and how tight the tensioner is set.