New Noise (I think)

[cockers]

Driving the 4L the other night and noticed a new noise emanating from the engine. It only occured under load at low revs and sounded a bit like a ball bearing going round the inside of a glass jar (it was a constant, smooth sound, rather than a clattering). Don''t recall having heard it before, but it may just be that I hadn''t noticed it. Everything worked fine and the car drove totally as normal. I''ve driven it again since then, but the presence of other traffic meant I couldn''t hear whether it was still occuring (which gives you an indication that it''s not very loud). It''s due in at Fernhurst later in the month to get the speedo recalibrated/replaced (so bye bye for a few weeks) and they said they''d take a look at it, but does anyone have any ideas what it might be and if I should be worried? Cheers.

[trefor]

Mine makes a similar noise when it's hot sometimes. In my case it's the alternator bearings (I think). It's done it for a while now and I'll change the alternator in the future if it gets any worse. It never does it when I want to lean into the engine bay and listen more carefully! I would suspect something on the drive belt(s) if it's a constant noise. Trefor/.

[cockers]

Ta. At least I can make some sort of intelligent suggestion when I go into Fernies now. Like yours, mine doesn't make the noise when my head's in the engine bay trying to hear where it's coming from - only when I'm in the driver's seat and able to do bugger all about it.