Rep Power: 0

First time posting here. I have searched extensively on this issue and see that a few others are experiencing this issue as well, but couldn't find a resolution.

I have a 2002 Civic LX, which has about 95,000 miles on it. I had the timing belt & water pump changed at around 80k miles. Of late, I am hearing a rattling noise coming from the engine. This doesn't happen when the engine is cold, but only after it has run for a few miles (maybe after 5~6 miles). The rattle is only heard at low rpm, especially when I am idling at a light or stop sign.

I have made a video of the rattle (you can hear it clearly around the 20s mark).
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CsRJPiEnIo[/YOUTUBE]

I would appreciate any opinion on this before deciding to put down $$$ for a major repair.

Thanks,
Vinay

P.S. I am not a DIY kinda guy, so would have to get this work done through a repair shop and wouldn't want to get ripped off.

 
Rep Power: 233

Can you pinpoint the rattle better? Is it in the timing cover? or is the engine mis-firing? Did you change the timing belt tensioner when you had the timing belt done? Kinda sounds like a loose tensioner.

 
Rep Power: 0

I would assume that the authorized dealer would have taken care of the tensioner when the belt & water pump was changed. If not, I do not know what I can do about it at this point.

Spoke to a mechanic I know and he suspects it's coming from the timing cover. He's going to double check the pan to to make sure if it's truly an internal issue.

Will post back on what I hear back from the mechanic.

 
Rep Power: 233

Long story short: You can try to take it back and tell them to put a new tensioner on like they should have but, they'll just say Honda says it doesn't need it. That's when you point to the F'd up rattle and the inspection paper work from the mechanic who's looking at it now. Chances are they'll try to deal with you and make you split the cost with them. I would say no, fix the job you should have done right in the first place. Be adamant. I would also be prepared to file in small claims court.

 
Rep Power: 0

Update on this issue.

Found out that the AC compressor was broken and causing this noise. Had it changed and the noise/vibration went away.