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Loud rattle coming from the engine when the radiator fans turn on

Tiny
JESSE111
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 MAZDA SPEED3
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
As soon as the fans would turn off the rattling would stop, likewise as soon as I start driving the rattling would disappear, it only happens when idling and the radiator fans are on. I haven’t driven the car since but it started happening on an extremely hot day, probably one of the hottest days the cars ever seen. The general area the noise is coming from is around the timing chain cover (left side of the engine) where all the accessory belts are as well. Is this something I should worry about? The temperature gauge stayed right in the middle. What could be causing this rattling? I also just want confirmation, for my sanity, that this isn’t the timing chain, or if it sadly possibly is. Thanks.
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Thursday, July 8th, 2021 AT 11:59 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

It would really help if you could attach a video of the noise so I can hear it to help determine the issue.

Timing chain guides are common for making noise when they wear out but not normally connected to the fans.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Once I hear the noise, I can help narrow the area of failure for you.

Roy
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 2:34 AM
Tiny
JESSE111
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This is the best video I could get for now.
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
JESSE111
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The rattle noise is most prominent at 7 seconds to 9 seconds in the video.
Another bit of information, I have not noticed the noise when the car is cold, the noise seems to start happening when the car warms up (temperature gauge in the middle).
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
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  • 6 POSTS
Here is a better video:
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 1:28 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, thank you. The second video was much better.

This sounds like something inside the motor. It could be the guides I circled in the video. It does not sound like anything external at all.

You need someone to listen to this noise and track it down for you. It is not an easy fix whatever it is. Sorry for the bad news but I would have it addressed ASAP to prevent a total failure.

Roy
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
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You don’t think it’s something like a bad water pump bearing? I put a screwdriver on the timing chain cover and it sounded pretty normal.
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Try removing the drive belt and see if the noise is still there. That will confirm an internal or external noise.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

I attached a picture of the location of the tensioner for you.

Roy
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
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Alright, thanks for your help.
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 2:08 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

I am on all night.

Let me know the results.

Roy
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 2:11 PM

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