weird rattle under timing belt cover

[jdmickies]

could it be shot? I just noticed it today. Same car as strange misfire ('02 limited, under 70K). I replaced the plugs and everything seemed fine. 2 days ago the misfire came back, now the rattle. I'm a little worried. Is this anything that can be done at home over a long weekend?

[jdmickies]

started to make horrible noise leaving friends' house tonight...sounded like normal by time I got home...this is annoying me...

[quicksilverdon]

What kind of noise? Buzz? Rattle? Clunking? Squeal?

[cdynaco]

My hunch would be the timing belt tensioner. I had the bearing go out in another vehicle and it squeaked for a bit then squealed then froze.

[jdmickies]

a rattle, but it's not consistent. It's been coming and going, so that is worrying me.

[jdmickies]

Does the Dayco 84143 component kit have the updated tensioner that I keep hearing about? Are there any specialty tools I'd need to DIY this thing?

[jdmickies]

Are there any shortcuts or workarounds from the directions listed in the service book? I'm talking about the 20 or so steps just to get the covers off.

[Arne]

I also have had what sounded like a tensioner bearing noise which will randomly occur, then seems fine for six months.
It worries me but I have not gone in to investigate yet.
She only has 50k right now.

[jdmickies]

This isn't a bearing noise. It's a rattle coming from the upper cover.

[CREWZIN]

Doing a little searching, I still can't answer that exact question on replacing the tensioner without doing the whole job related to the timing belt (my guess is that you do) but I found this thread that was interesting to read with all the steps needed for the belt.

ever replace timing belt in a pt cruiser - Tampa Racing