I have noticed a rattle which has progressively gotten worse coming from passenger side of engine compartment. I thought I had it narrowed to the power steering pump, changed it this morning and rattle is still present. What could it be??? Could it be the alterantor which is located directly under the ps pump? Any thoughts?

 

additionally, I have noticed that the clanking/rattle sound is virtually undetectable after the engine has been warmed up and ran for a while.

Still no thoughts?

 

Had a thought, a couple of months ago I had a CEL indicating a bad thermostat. I went ahead and changed it. Could that be the cause of the clanking/rattle? The thermostat housing 'is' located directly behind the PS Pump. Has it been known for a thermostat to make such a noise? Also, my CEL is back on indicating coolant temperature to low, this may also be connected if in fact the thermostat has gone bad again.

Anyways, before I throw more parts at the problem your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

If it were the t-stat making a rattle it would be the first I've heard of it. Since you have the code back already it may just be a bad t-stat. If you find something strange please post a pic.