weird compressor type noise coming from engine bay

**BLK2KSS** · 02-09-2010, 11:13 AM

I have a 2000 ls1 with a few bolt-ons with 85,000 miles on it. Lately it’s been making a funny noise from the engine bay that almost sounds like the rattle/grind an air compressor makes. It sounded like it was coming from the power steering pump area so I just went ahead and changed it but the noise is still there. When I first start the car I can’t hear it but it becomes much louder as the engine warms up. Has anyone ever heard anything like this before?

**sunsetorangess** · 02-09-2010, 12:17 PM

Probly one of your pulleys or Idler's.
Pull your belt off and spin them by hand and see if you can find the culprit. If that doesnt work, a long screw driver or Stethascope will pin point the noise. Just becareful if you have the engine running..
J

**BLK2KSS** · 02-09-2010, 12:30 PM

yeah, i checked the other pulleys when i did the psp but didnt find anything out of the norm. def need to try the srewdriver/stethoscope thing. was already planning on pickin up a stethoscope but didnt even think to use a long screwdriver... thanks

**Spaz** · 02-09-2010, 12:45 PM

still have your AIR system intact??? could be crapping out on ya...

**BLK2KSS** · 02-09-2010, 02:21 PM

yeah unfortunately i do still have the a.i.r. crap so i hope it is that so ill have an excuse to just yank it all off. just picked up an auto stethoscope for $5, gotta love harbor frieght! gonnna do some more investagating after dinner. thanks for the replys!

**0rion** · 02-13-2010, 06:27 PM

pull the relay for the air pump and see if it goes away. you'll throw a code but it'll clear after you put the relay back in. If it were the air pump it should go away within a few minutes of starting the car.

**BLK2KSS** · 03-02-2010, 03:48 PM

ok i know its been a while but i finally got around to checking this problem out more. i pulled the belt again and all pulleys seemed ok. i then started it and used the ol auto stethoscope and found that the alternator is now the prime suspect. i have never heard of an alternator making this type of noise, has anyone else?

**sunsetorangess** · 03-02-2010, 03:53 PM

I have heard Altenators make all types of noises from whinning, grinding, Squealing, knocking, etc etc...
When the bearings inside wear out thats all she wrote.
J

**Blue_01_Z28** · 03-03-2010, 06:42 PM

yup yup my Lt1 from years ago sounded like that all the time, it never bothered me becasue it did its job, but it did sound like I had forced induction lol.

**BLK2KSS** · 03-08-2010, 06:58 PM

Ok so just incase anyone has had this prob before, it was the alternator. The SS is purring like a kitten or I guess I should say growling like a lion again

. I have before and after sound clips of it that ill post as soon as i figure out how too. Thanks for all the advice everyone.