I have this constant tapping or rattle coming from somewhere on my aux/drive belt and I've narrow its down to either the alternator, idler pulley or belt tensioner.
I know its not major as its been making the noise for around a year now, but would just like some someone elses opinion on which it most likely is, or what you think it could be.
Again I'm 99% sure its nothing major as the car runs great and never had any power issues so its nothing like cam belt or anything...and even if it could be its getting changed again next week when i change my head
Thank in advance
Joe

 

Don't totally discount cambelt probs, if the cam belt is not changed as a complete kit including pullies and tensioner the problem may lie with them, especially the tensioner, a sort of clack, clack, clack noise.

 

I haven't totally dismissed the idea but I'm very sure it isn't that as the cam belt and tensioners was change 20000 mile ago and also this noise has been there for over a year, but like I said changing the head so I have bought a new kit anyway.
I got a steathiscope to the alternator and it doesn't sound too healthy, but I read that the aux belt and/or tensioner can actually make the alternator sound rough, so new drive belt and tensioners is 1st thing I'm going to try, along with a new idler pulley just to be sure.
Thanks