Bearing or Tensioner Noise on 2006 Elantra GLS??

I have a new 2006 Elantra GLS with only 675 miles, which has developed
its first (seemingly) abnormal noise. I say "seemingly," because
perhaps it's normal. I plan on taking it in to the dealer for a
listen, but also thought I would post it here in case anyone
(Hyundaitech?) may have any ideas.

The noise appears to occur when the engine is at operational temp, and
is most noticeable from around 1900 to 2100 RPM. The noise is present
at in Park or Neutral, or when driving at those RPM ranges.

I wish I would include a audio file, but it sounds kind of like a low
to mid-pitched "rrrrrrr" with a lower-pitched rumble (almost like a bad
bearing). It's coming from the crankshaft and accessory belt drive side
of the engine (left-side when facing the car). I spent some time with
a mechanic's stethoscope this evening, and couldn't come up with
anything localized or definite. I do know it's coming from the
bottom-half area of the timing belt cover area, but it's really hard to
pinpoint the source.

I know it could be anything, but is it normal for the timing belt
tensioner to make some noise? If not, and if it's the timing belt
tensioner, do they prematurely (infant mortality) fail occasionally?
Another possible source may be the AC belt tensioner, below the AC
compressor. Or, possibly even the alternator bearing. I know I'm
grabbing at straws here, but it certainly doesn't sound normal, and
neither my wife or I have heard it until today, as the car makes more
noise even at idle than before.

The only thing that I've ever heard even close to the "rrrrrrr" sound
is what some of the GM X-series (Celebrity, 6000, Cutlass Ciera, etc.)
cars used to sound like from inside the cabin, and I think that sound
was transaxle related.

Obviously, it's off to the dealer for some troubleshooting. I just
hope the tech can hear it . . .

 

That sound was coming from the timing chain in those cars. I had a Pontiac
6000 with the Iron Duke engine (I4, half of a V8). I grew to love that
engine and sound. I could be standing on a street corner waiting to cross
and would hear that noise, look around and pick out the GM car it was coming
from. I know the 2006 Sonata engines have a timing chain, does the Elantra
also?
bill

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GM X-series (Celebrity, 6000, Cutlass Ciera, etc.)cars used to sound like
from inside the cabin, and I think that sound was transaxle related.

 

Hi Bill,

No, the current generation of Elantra uses a timing belt. This sounds
like possibly a tensioner noise, as there are two belt tensioners on
this engine. One for the timing belt enclosed underneath the timing
cover, and the second is for the AC drive belt, and it's located
directly beneath the AC compressor.

At least you know the noise I'm talking about! Perhaps I can use this
analogy to the Hyundai mechanics when I take the care in for an
inspection. You're certainly right - you could hear those cars coming
from several hundred feet away!

 

I've heardl those timing chain noises. The Elantra does sound like that at
certain rpm's, but nowhere near the volume of the GM engine. You're on the
right track. Take it in and have the dealer give it a listen. If you're
not certain whether they'll detect or identify the noise, ask to have a
technician listen in your presence. You can explain very well how to make
it happen. Most techs will appreciate that over the service advisor's
"Customer request check for engine noise."

 

Thanks Hyundaitech. I just came back from a test drive - to ensure I
have all of the data I need before taking it in to the dealer - and I
confirmed that the engine must be up to full operating temp prior to
detecting the noise. I drove it a combo of in town and freeway for
about 8 miles, and then pulled it into the garage for testing. In
Park, the noise seems to peak around 2200 RPM, but is noticeable if you
blip the throttle from idle. It actually sounds something like a small
siren at around 450 to 475Hz. It's a hard sound to describe . . .
almost a fan belt rubbing against a plastic cover or shroud.

Just for a test, I checked to make sure turning the AC compressor on
and off had any effect, and it does not. I've heard alternator
bearings make this kind of noise before, but my check with the
stethoscope didn't locate the source to the alternator. If I had to
bet, it's related to a tensioner, belts, or a pulley.

 

I remember the Iron Duke well, it was the first engine offered in the
Pontiac Fiero.
however, I didn't like the sound at all. at that time it was already 20
years old, if my memory serves me right.