my mom has had her 2003 Freelander SE3 for about 5 years now. never had any mechanical probs until now. on the drivers side of the engine there is a rattling sound that sounds like bb's in a tin can. when i first noticed the sound i thought it was something plastic hitting the fans and would only be there for about 10 seconds then it would go away. now its there constantly and clearly something in the belts or pulley's maybe bearings going out. i'm going to take it to the shop on Monday. until then does anyone have any ideas so i can brace myself for a large repair bill?

 

Most pulleys you can replace as a DIY job. If you were to remove the serpantine belt, you could rotate each item that turns and feel for roughness. Another way to isolate the sound is to take a wood stick, like a broom handle, and place one end CAREFULLY against the the support bracket or item that has the pulley, and listen with your ear against the other end of the stick. Should be able to hear the noise distinctly from the bad one. Don't let stick get snatched out of your hand by the moving belt, and thrown back in your face or through the radiator. WEAR eye protection. You think algebra is hard? Trying doing it blind.

 

if its not the 1000 dollar upper intake flap making noise then its the bearings making noise.