Altestry Posted January 6 Report Share Posted January 6 My mom’s v6 journey sxt has been making a grinding/rattling noise only below 1k rpm we have already replaced the idler pulley, tensioner, compressor, and alternator. I took the belt off the crank pulley and started the engine and noticed the noise only happened slightly on start up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5rebel9 Posted January 6 Report Share Posted January 6 First of all, what was the outcome of the electrical problem you previously posted of? And now, with all pulleys disconnected from the crankshaft this would indicate possible heat shield rattling on exhaust parts{cat converters, underbody shields} OR a possible bad crank pulley OR even {and I hope not} a cracked flex plate {flywheel}. The latter is rather difficult to fully inspect due to limited viewing area . Time to have a GOOD and REPUTABLE SHOP check it out. John/Horace and Summer Solstice 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Altestry Posted January 6 Author Report Share Posted January 6 I believe the original problem was the tensioner not allowing the alternator to charge, because we went through 2 alternators and was still dying and hasn’t died since tensioner replaced. With belt off the noise is only as the starter is engaging noise stops once running and with the belt on noise is worse but kinda comes and goes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2late4u Posted January 6 Report Share Posted January 6 Most people don't want to change out the belt tensioner,BUT it only makes sense to do that when they are putting on a new belt,but it only makes sense to install a new one,and yes they can be expensive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Altestry Posted January 12 Author Report Share Posted January 12 It is definitely the flex plate I got the car up on ramps and the noise is loudest underneath and between engine and transmission. Didn’t look at it but it must not be cracked much as you only hear it at low rpm, the edges catch each other at higher speeds but low rpm they can rattle loose is my best guess. And to my understanding flex plates don’t wear so there was a reason why it broke, could worn engine mounts be the cause, or over hauling? We went camping multiple times last summer and we were pretty heavy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5rebel9 Posted January 12 Report Share Posted January 12 Sorry to hear of this. It is a BIG JOB to replace the flex plate, I know as my '14 cracked the flex plate due to a faulty torque converter and both had to be replaced. Definitely NOT a DIY job unless you have full shop capability as the trans has to come out. I do NOT recommend continued driving with it until repaired as the flex plate can further crack and separate which can damage engine and trans. My shop owner friend has had a few DJ's and vans towed in and found this "worst case" scenario. Good luck! 2late4u 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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