ODD NOISE ON DRIVING

TOYOTA CAMRY

SUNIL1703

MEMBER
2 POSTS
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I have a 1992 Toyota Camry V6 3.0L auto transmission at 244000 Km. The car sometimes make an odd noise while driving. The noise builds up gradually and gets louder and louder at which point I am forced to pull up and turn off ignition. When I re-start engine after 3-5 minutes and drive the noise is gone, but to return again sometime later. Sometimes this won’t happen for weeks, but other times days apart. Earlier it happened when driving fast, over 100 Km/h, but now it happens for lesser speeds too. I cannot pinpoint where the noise is coming from, except to say it’s not from the engine, but from somewhere beneath. If not for this noise the car runs great.

When the mechanic test-drives and finds no noise he is unable to confirm anything. Hoisting the car and checking wheels and the underneath proved negative. Can you suggest what makes the noise and what I should do?

Mar 3, 2007 at 10:29 AM

LOSONE

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
1,616 POSTS

Before a noise can be evaluated on line you MUST locate the area of the noise and describe the noise better so I can isolate engine-tranny-axles-tires-brakes etc.

Those 3.0 engine have a common problem and that is a water pump noise. It is driven by the timning belt and located in the front of the engine. It becomes quite noisy before it fails. Smetinmes the timing belt tensioner can also become noisy.

Are you loosing any coolant??

Let me know Losone

Mar 3, 2007 at 11:08 AM

SUNIL1703

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you Losone, for the interest taken in answering my inquiry.

It is very difficult to pinpoint the noise due to its vibrating effect, but I guess it’s originating from the front section of the car. The diffused knocking noise is basically similar to that of a flat tire.

Yes, I was loosing a lot of coolant for sometime but surprisingly this has stopped now. Please suggest what should be done to remedy the problem.

Mar 7, 2007 at 6:50 PM

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