An end to the rattle and ping of my car?!?

Went to get the car smogged today and guess what...finally found someone who knows what they are talking about! They said that the diesel sound that my car makes is due to the timing chain possibly going out or a little bracket that holds it in place...

Yay...perhaps I will have a quiet car again! The problem comes in that if it is the chain it will cost roughly $600 but if it is the bracket probably around $60. Here is to crossing my fingers for the bracket!! The other side of the coin? The car probably will not pass it's next smog...bummer...but the thing has given it's all you know!! Any way...wanted to share the good news!

C