I have a constant rattle at the front of my 96 LT1 Camaro. I sounds like someone is jangling keys. I listened with the hood up and it is not coming from the engine area but way up front and down.

Fan? I noticed the fan squeeks after I shut off the car as the blade stops spinning, but this rattle is new.

 

Either the A/C clutch bearing, or the belt tensioner bearing. Mine does it too.
Take the belt off and I bet it goes away...but that's not practical for everyday use. I replaced the A/C clutch bearing at 60k and it seems like it went away for a while but returned. It the compressor is engaged the sound changes somewhat.

 

I tend to agree with you. The AC is shot on the car so that makes sense. And out of the garage today is sounded like the AC area.

 

Wanted to post a followup please:

I am convinced now it is the AC given the history and a relisten with a mechanic. The AC actually works, but tends to disappear on my a mid to high rpms and drive time.

My question is: Is it possible to just replace the AC clutch and the pulley and see if that cures the noise? I don't care so much about having AC as I am concerned about the noise and possible loss of the belt.

 

A good A/C shop can replace just the clutch bearing, w/o discharging the system. Mine cost $250 for them to replace it. They used a delco bearing. Might try a timken bearing next time.

 

Last followup as the new belt tensioner is going in this afternoon.

So, if you have an intermittant rattle up front like keys jangling, it is your tensioner spring that has disintegrated.

Funny, I know when it happened. I came to a hard stop and it sounded like I had hit plastic in the road or was driving in leaves. I never heard it again so I thought it was a fluke and/or something I did not see in the road etc.

 

Wow ... didn't even think about that. Thanks for posting.
I have a similar rattle and I noticed the other day that my AC compressor is no longer working.