So, this noise came on pretty quickly, 955tt 2003 with 90k on the clock.

i thought it sounded like a fan knocking away, as it didn’t sound that metallic, but it seems to be all the time and rpm related. Stripping the plastic covers off it very much sounds like it’s coming from the intake, but I couldn’t quite tell. I thought it was too quick for chain slap, but could be a pulley/something else that’s worn? I obviously know the challenges of bore score etc on these and I’m hoping it isn’t that! I can’t hear it from the cabin, but can when in front of the car.

I’m looking for someone who may have had a similar sound, and any advice/doom/doom relief would be greatly appreciated! I’m going to get it to the garage soonish, but if it’s bore score it’ll be going to WEBAC pretty soon I think.

 

That sounds nothing like bore scoring.
I'd remove the serpentine belt and start it up briefly to see if the rattle goes away.

 

I agree with 19psi. I'm actually thinking it may be your waterpump. Once you get the belt off try to turn the waterpump by hand and see how it feels. How is your coolant fluid level? Any leaks?

 

Ah thank you, that’s a relief in the first instance. I was hoping it would be something serpentine related. I’ll get the belt off and have a look. I’m reluctant to drive it now until I can make sure I’ve got space to work on it.

ill check the coolant level, I haven’t noticed any loss over the last 6 months or so but will check and report back.

 

I agree. Typical noise of a failing water pump

 

Thanks to all those who replied to this one, I’ve now had an opportunity to pull it about a bit, and as per the suggestions the water pump pulley wobbles like it’s on a spring. I’m not losing a huge amount of coolant, but it’s definitely the culprit.

Thanks again! My mild moment of worst case scenario panic always allayed by those in the know!

 

That's good, better than an engine. Waterpump isn't too bad of a job, mostly just moving the hoses to get in there. Good time to flush all of the Coolant so you get fresh Coolant and Distilled water.