I have a 2004 explorer, 4.0 that has a clicking/rattling noise from the serpentine belt area. It sounds like it is coming from the belt tensioner. Is this how they sound if they are going bad?

Thanks,
edford1

 

As the bearings get REALLY worn they can start clicking/rattling. Usually before they get that bad though they start to make a tinny ringing noise at idle.

You can remove the serpentine belt and spin the various pulleys by hand to see if the tensioner is rough or loose, then confirm it's the only one. If all pulleys that spin freely (ie: not the power steering pump) are smooth, then you might want to start the engine and see if the clicking rattling noise is still present. If so, the issue is not with the belt-driven accessories but maybe an issue with the timing tensioners.

-Rod

 

Thanks for the ideas !!!!!