My '05 G.C. SXT with 3.8 makes a mild, rhythmic 'whoomping' noise at idle. It has 70k miles, no mil/codes, mpg is 20, no noticeable performance or oil use issues. I noticed someone posted a similar thread (same vehicle and noise description) back in May of 2011 w/ no responses. Since some time has gone by maybe someone else has had similiar issue with resolution?

 

Welcome to DF
Do you hear this more at start up or after the engine has been running for awhile?

 

Can you post a video so we can hear it? Can you tell what area of the engine it's coming from?

 

Thanks for the reply. I had thought the noise was constant, now that I'm focusing on it ..., It wasn't present at initial start-up this morning, air temp. 50 deg. It came on as the engine warmed and became more prominent after it got up to temp. It is only audible at idle, not under load/acceleration and can only be heard from outside the van, behind the wheel with the doors & windows closed all is quiet. The low, rhythmic 'growl' is what I'm curious about.

 

I would try to isolate the noise by removing the fan belt. Could be a idler bearing, water pump or alt.

 

Ahhhh, that noise. My van also makes that noise and I have heard a few other Caravans that do it. I'd love to know what other solutions were as I need to find it someday and fix it myself when I have the money to spend. I know in my case, my belt needs replacing so I plan on trying to isolate this when that happens. I also can state that with the A/C on the noise is more pronounced. I'm hoping it is not the compressor bearings since my A/C works well.

I'll post back if I get the chance to isolate this noise in my van.

 

I'm certainly no expert at deciphering noises. Many have complained about the alternator clutch making noises. There's my lackluster 2cs. It sure sounds cyclic and that would lead you to think it's related to something driven by the surp belt as Master T is saying. Thanks for the video. We have a much better idea of what you're dealing with.

 

I was presuming it was external. Won't have time to remove serp belt to investigate further for a couple days. Will get back when time allows. Thanks

 

Great video, This does help when we can't be there.

 

A friend of mine's makes this noise and he told me it was the egr valve. I want so bad to fix it for him but he doesn't care. If you could try unplugging the egr electrical and see if it fixes it.