[s-cars] Loud rattling

[Steve Voit]

Hi JR:

I'd replace the idler/belt tensioner assy.  The bearings fail in these; some
have replaced the bearing, some replace the assy that includes the spring
and bracketry (I did).  It presents itself as you describe - random,
metallic, sometimes quiet.  When it makes noise it was startling in nature.
Mine, too, came on with the advent of cold weather.  My mechanic thought I
was nuts but it has cured the problem.

Steve Voit 95.5 S6 Seattle