1997 Chevrolet Malibu Clicking Noise

1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU
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JOHN_H01
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  • 3 POSTS
i just replaced the water pump and serpentine belt now when i start the car i get a strange noise, it sounds almost like a clicking noise near the water pump and it only does it for a moment. could a pulley be loose or is the waterpump i put in bad? somebody please help.
Jan 10, 2006 at 8:39 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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2CarPros editorial correction - October 12, 2026

The earlier recommendation to keep running the engine until the noise clears has been withdrawn. With a new noise immediately after water-pump and belt work, switch off the engine and have the installation checked before further operation. Check the correct belt routing, pulley alignment, fasteners and possible contact or contamination using the actual vehicle's procedure. Neither coolant on the belt nor a defective pump was established in this discussion.
Jan 10, 2006 at 9:32 AM
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Suggested Repair

Shut the engine off and do not continue running it. Have the water-pump and serpentine-belt installation inspected before further operation, checking belt routing, pulley alignment, fasteners, and possible contact or contamination using the vehicle-specific procedure.

Conversation Summary

After replacing the water pump and serpentine belt, the owner heard a brief clicking noise near the water pump at startup and asked whether a pulley was loose or the new pump was defective. An editorial correction withdrew earlier advice to keep running the engine until the noise cleared. The updated guidance is to stop the engine and have the installation checked before further operation. Coolant on the belt and a defective pump were not established.

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