2002 Toyota Corolla Humming at acceleration

DAVE1310

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA COROLLA
197,000 MILES

My daughter called me to inform me that there is a very loud distinct humming sound at high acceleration such as highway driving, as the car slows down it gets much softer and at a idle it is not heard. It sounds like a possible vacumm leak? My question is are there any common areas to look for this model of Toyota?

Monday, August 18th, 2014 AT 5:17 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

It doesn't sound like a vacuum leak to me. It sounds more like either a wheel bearing issue or uneven tire wear.

Ask her to do this. In an area where it is safe (no traffic), drive the car until she hears the noise. Then, turn the steering back and forth from left to right. Does the sound change? If it does, in which direction does it get louder?

Also, have her check to make sure the tires are not cupped or worn unevenly.

Let me know what you find,

Joe

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Monday, August 18th, 2014 AT 6:47 PM

DAVE1310

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64 POSTS

Thanks-wheel bearing (it was just replaced, so it is free including the labor-this is the second time its been done). Also the Cat. Was almost completetly blocked and per the mechanic "peeling apart, completely broken down"-would something like this cause a CEL PO303/PO300-random misfire?

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Thursday, August 21st, 2014 AT 1:27 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

So it was the wheel bearing? As far as the cat, a plugged one could cause misfires from the engine because there is too much back pressure.

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Thursday, August 21st, 2014 AT 4:55 PM

DAVE1310

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64 POSTS

Thanks-yes it was the wheel bearing-they say it must have been defective part-so they will replace for free on Tues-She hopes that will dissapate the noise

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Thursday, August 21st, 2014 AT 5:34 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS