Hey guys,

I recorded a video of my engine because it’s making a constant noise at idle and I’m trying to figure out if it’s normal or not.

Car: 2009 Opel Astra H GTC, 1.4 (90 hp), manual.

I bought it in January last year with about 58,000 km. It had one previous owner (elderly), but maintenance wasn’t great – oil changes roughly every 1,5-2 years, and towards the end it was barely driven.

Important: the noise I’m hearing now has been there since I bought the car. The timing chain was actually worn out back then and made a different, additional noise, which is why I had it replaced in March last year. After the replacement, that specific timing chain noise was gone, but the constant noise I’m describing here was already present before and is still there now.

Right now, it’s a constant noise at idle, especially noticeable with the hood open. While driving I don’t really hear it, but that’s probably just because of road noise.

When temperatures were colder recently, the noise was noticeably louder.

I suspect something like the serpentine belt or one of the pulleys, but I’m not sure if that alone would cause this kind of sound. A friend suggested engine mounts, but that doesn’t really make sense to me.

Also, the car has AC, but it’s not working. The cause hasn’t been identified yet, but the system is filled with refrigerant. Not sure if this could be related in any way, but I thought I’d mention it.

Do you think this sounds normal for this engine, or is there likely something wrong? Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks in advance!

Opel Astra H 1.4 constant noise at idle – timing chain done, still there