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General » rec.autos.tech » 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound
| 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781377] |
Wed, 12 July 2006 17:10 |
|
This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
2001 Toyota Corolla).
An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
"fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
(sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
not quieter.
Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
followed by a longer and louder one.
Phil
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781379 ] |
Wed, 12 July 2006 18:47 |
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<pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
> This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
> 2001 Toyota Corolla).
>
> An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
> left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
> "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
> suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
> It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
> notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
> (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
> initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
> this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
> noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
> frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
> are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
>
> Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
> A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
> that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
> not quieter.
>
> Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
> during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
> The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
> seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
> mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
> engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
> squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
> squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
> followed by a longer and louder one.
>
> Phil
>
I'm not a mechanic, but I would first check and see how loose the belts are.
After that I would go to auto zone and get some stuff that they make to
lessen belt noise. I can't remember the name of it though. If the noise
still is going on, I would look at the things that the drive belts are
attached to and make sure that they are in good working order.
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781380 ] |
Wed, 12 July 2006 18:41 |
|
<pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
> This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
> 2001 Toyota Corolla).
>
> An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
> left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
> "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
> suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
> It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
> notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
> (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
> initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
> this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
> noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
> frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
> are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
>
> Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
> A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
> that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
> not quieter.
Not necessarily. The first thing I would check would be the condition and
the tension of all of the belts. Change any worn or cracked belts.
The next most likely culprit is the serpentine belt tensioner idler. This
is an idler that simply bolts onto the tensioner and is easy to replace.
They normally make more of a growl than a squeal, but it's not beyond reason
at all to expect a squeal.
>
> Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
> during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
> The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
> seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
> mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
> engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
> squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
> squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
> followed by a longer and louder one.
>
I'd go with the idler - but first check the condition of those belts.
--
-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE [at] alltel.net
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781382 ] |
Wed, 12 July 2006 19:00 |
|
"Reasoned Insanity" <mintclovers [at] [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:8H9tg.9907$PO.3744 [at] dukeread03...
>
> <pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
> > This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
> > 2001 Toyota Corolla).
> >
> > An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
> > left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
> > "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
> > suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
> > It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
> > notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
> > (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
> > initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
> > this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
> > noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
> > frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
> > are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
> >
> > Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
> > A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
> > that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
> > not quieter.
> >
> > Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
> > during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
> > The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
> > seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
> > mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
> > engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
> > followed by a longer and louder one.
> >
> > Phil
> >
>
>
> I'm not a mechanic, but I would first check and see how loose the belts
are.
> After that I would go to auto zone and get some stuff that they make to
> lessen belt noise. I can't remember the name of it though. If the noise
> still is going on, I would look at the things that the drive belts are
> attached to and make sure that they are in good working order.
>
>
Sorry - but I'd stay far away from Belt-Ease and all the like products. If
the belts are worn, replace them.
--
-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE [at] alltel.net
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781383 ] |
Wed, 12 July 2006 19:03 |
|
"Reasoned Insanity" <mintclovers [at] [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:8H9tg.9907$PO.3744 [at] dukeread03...
>
> <pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
> > This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
> > 2001 Toyota Corolla).
> >
> > An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
> > left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
> > "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
> > suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
> > It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
> > notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
> > (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
> > initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
> > this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
> > noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
> > frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
> > are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
> >
> > Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
> > A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
> > that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
> > not quieter.
> >
> > Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
> > during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
> > The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
> > seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
> > mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
> > engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
> > followed by a longer and louder one.
> >
> > Phil
> >
>
>
> I'm not a mechanic, but I would first check and see how loose the belts
are.
> After that I would go to auto zone and get some stuff that they make to
> lessen belt noise. I can't remember the name of it though. If the noise
> still is going on, I would look at the things that the drive belts are
> attached to and make sure that they are in good working order.
>
>
Be careful about using the belt dressing for noisy belts. Many here would
recommend staying away from that sort of product. There have been a lot of
bad experiences using that stuff, especially on serpentine belts.
--
Kevin Mouton
Automotive Technology Instructor
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"
Red Green
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781395 ] |
Wed, 12 July 2006 21:09 |
|
"Kevin" <kmouton6 [at] cox.net> wrote in message
news:3X9tg.66396$9c6.17765 [at] dukeread11...
>
> "Reasoned Insanity" <mintclovers [at] [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:8H9tg.9907$PO.3744 [at] dukeread03...
>>
>> <pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
>> > This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
>> > 2001 Toyota Corolla).
>> >
>> > An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
>> > left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
>> > "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
>> > suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
>> > It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
>> > notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
>> > (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
>> > initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
>> > this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
>> > noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
>> > frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
>> > are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
>> >
>> > Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
>> > A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
>> > that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
>> > not quieter.
>> >
>> > Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
>> > during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
>> > The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
>> > seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
>> > mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
>> > engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
>> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
>> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
>> > followed by a longer and louder one.
>> >
>> > Phil
>> >
>>
>>
>> I'm not a mechanic, but I would first check and see how loose the belts
> are.
>> After that I would go to auto zone and get some stuff that they make to
>> lessen belt noise. I can't remember the name of it though. If the noise
>> still is going on, I would look at the things that the drive belts are
>> attached to and make sure that they are in good working order.
>>
>>
>
> Be careful about using the belt dressing for noisy belts. Many here would
> recommend staying away from that sort of product. There have been a lot of
> bad experiences using that stuff, especially on serpentine belts.
Thanks for the advice on the belt dressing...I've never used the stuff
myself, but I heard it was good.
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781404 ] |
Thu, 13 July 2006 00:44 |
|
"Reasoned Insanity" <mintclovers [at] [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:vMbtg.9912$PO.163 [at] dukeread03...
>
> "Kevin" <kmouton6 [at] cox.net> wrote in message
> news:3X9tg.66396$9c6.17765 [at] dukeread11...
>>
>> "Reasoned Insanity" <mintclovers [at] [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:8H9tg.9907$PO.3744 [at] dukeread03...
>>>
>>> <pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
>>> > This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
>>> > 2001 Toyota Corolla).
>>> >
>>> > An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
>>> > left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
>>> > "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
>>> > suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
>>> > It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
>>> > notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
>>> > (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
>>> > initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have
>>> > taken
>>> > this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
>>> > noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and
>>> > less
>>> > frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test
>>> > drives
>>> > are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
>>> >
>>> > Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
>>> > A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
>>> > that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
>>> > not quieter.
>>> >
>>> > Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
>>> > during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
>>> > The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
>>> > seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
>>> > mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
>>> > engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
>>> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
>>> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
>>> > followed by a longer and louder one.
>>> >
>>> > Phil
>>> >
>>>
>>>
>>> I'm not a mechanic, but I would first check and see how loose the belts
>> are.
>>> After that I would go to auto zone and get some stuff that they make to
>>> lessen belt noise. I can't remember the name of it though. If the noise
>>> still is going on, I would look at the things that the drive belts are
>>> attached to and make sure that they are in good working order.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Be careful about using the belt dressing for noisy belts. Many here would
>> recommend staying away from that sort of product. There have been a lot
>> of
>> bad experiences using that stuff, especially on serpentine belts.
>
>
> Thanks for the advice on the belt dressing...I've never used the stuff
> myself, but I heard it was good.
>
I'm sure Kevin & I both have seen instances where belt dressing has
actually caused v-belts, at least, to sound just like a bad power steering
pump. IMO, that stuff is good to avoid. A squealing belt indicates
something is wrong. s
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781417 ] |
Thu, 13 July 2006 11:31 |
|
Mike Marlow wrote:
> <pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
> > This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
> > 2001 Toyota Corolla).
> >
> > An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
> > left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
> > "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
> > suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
> > It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
> > notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
> > (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
> > initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
> > this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
> > noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
> > frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
> > are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
> >
> > Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
> > A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
> > that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
> > not quieter.
>
> Not necessarily. The first thing I would check would be the condition and
> the tension of all of the belts. Change any worn or cracked belts.
>
> The next most likely culprit is the serpentine belt tensioner idler. This
> is an idler that simply bolts onto the tensioner and is easy to replace.
> They normally make more of a growl than a squeal, but it's not beyond reason
> at all to expect a squeal.
>
> >
> > Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
> > during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
> > The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
> > seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
> > mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
> > engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
> > squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
> > followed by a longer and louder one.
> >
>
> I'd go with the idler - but first check the condition of those belts.
>
The serpentine belt looks fine, and it doesn't seem loose. Although I
didn't mention in my post, checking the belt was one of the first
things I did. I also checked the alternator using a piece of vinyl
tubing as a crude stethoscope, and ruled it out as the source of the
noise. Now I am going to do the same thing (CAREFULLY!) with the belt
tensioner. I'm also going to get out a bright light and take another
look at the belt, just in case.
Phil
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781463 ] |
Fri, 14 July 2006 04:58 |
|
"Reasoned Insanity" <mintclovers [at] [at] yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:vMbtg.9912$PO.163 [at] dukeread03...
>
<snipped>
>>>
>>>
>>> I'm not a mechanic, but I would first check and see how loose the belts
>> are.
>>> After that I would go to auto zone and get some stuff that they make to
>>> lessen belt noise. I can't remember the name of it though. If the noise
>>> still is going on, I would look at the things that the drive belts are
>>> attached to and make sure that they are in good working order.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Be careful about using the belt dressing for noisy belts. Many here would
>> recommend staying away from that sort of product. There have been a lot
>> of
>> bad experiences using that stuff, especially on serpentine belts.
>
>
> Thanks for the advice on the belt dressing...I've never used the stuff
> myself, but I heard it was good.
>
In 35 years working on cars, (15 years working for a company that makes
cars) I've never used belt dressing. IMO, using belt dressing is like
giving methadone to a heroin addict - it hides the symptoms but doesn't cure
the root cause.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781464 ] |
Fri, 14 July 2006 05:03 |
|
"Mike Marlow" <mmarlowREMOVE [at] alltel.net> wrote in message
news:366c7$44b5277e$45289544$13071 [at] ALLTEL.NET...
>
> <pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
>> This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
>> 2001 Toyota Corolla).
>>
>> An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
>> left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
>> "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
>> suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
>> It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
>> notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
>> (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
>> initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
>> this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
>> noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
>> frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
>> are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
>>
>> Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
>> A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt.
>> that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
>> not quieter.
>
> Not necessarily. The first thing I would check would be the condition and
> the tension of all of the belts. Change any worn or cracked belts.
Also make sure that the belt is not glazed or shiny. Check both the inside
and outside surfaces of the belts. A worn belt is not always obvious. When
checking for belt wear, make sure that the angle part of the fits the
profile of the pulley and contacts evenly.
>
> The next most likely culprit is the serpentine belt tensioner idler. This
> is an idler that simply bolts onto the tensioner and is easy to replace.
> They normally make more of a growl than a squeal, but it's not beyond
> reason
> at all to expect a squeal.
>
>>
>> Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
>> during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
>> The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
>> seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
>> mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
>> engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
>> squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
>> squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
>> followed by a longer and louder one.
>>
>
> I'd go with the idler - but first check the condition of those belts.
>
On a serpentine belt, make sure that all of the pulley, idlers, tensioners,
etc. are on the same plane. If one or more pulley is not on the same plane,
then the pulley and/or belt may make noise when passing through that pulley.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
|
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781475 ] |
Fri, 14 July 2006 16:02 |
|
On Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:47:02 -0500, "Reasoned Insanity"
<mintclovers [at] [at] yahoo.com> wrote:
>
><pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
>news:1152717051.056199.103190 [at] m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
>> This concerns a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (essentially the same thing as a
>> 2001 Toyota Corolla).
>>
>> An intermittent, high-pitched squeak/squeal is coming from the
>> left-hand side of the engine compartment, where the drive belt (aka
>> "fan belt" or "serpentine belt") is located. This seemed to have
>> suddenly started after the vehicle hadn't been driven for a month.
>> It's also possible that it was happening before but I just didn't
>> notice it. The noise goes away when accelerating and comes back
>> (sometimes) when decelerating or maintaining a steady speed. Also,
>> initially the squeal was heard quite frequently. However, I have taken
>> this Prizm on several short test drives since I first noticed the
>> noise, and the intermittent squealing seems to be getting less and less
>> frequent with each test drive. It's almost as if the short test drives
>> are helping to loosen something up, though that's just a guess.
>>
>> Anybody have an idea about what could be causing the squealing noise?
>> A friend suggested that it might be due to a loose belt, but I doubt
>> that. I'd expect a squealing belt to get noisier during acceleration,
>> not quieter.
>>
>> Okay, I need to add a few things because the picture changed a little
>> during my most recent test drive (made after I started writing this).
>> The squealing doesn't always go away during acceleration. But it does
>> seem to occur less frequently during acceleration. And I should also
>> mention that sometimes the squeal has a definite rhythm to it when the
>> engine is idling. At one point it sounded something like this:
>> squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause), squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause),
>> squeak-squeak-SQUEAK (pause)... In other words, two short squeaks
>> followed by a longer and louder one.
>>
>> Phil
>>
>
>
>I'm not a mechanic, but I would first check and see how loose the belts are.
>After that I would go to auto zone and get some stuff that they make to
>lessen belt noise.
If you were a mechanic you would not do this.
Don
www.donsautomotive.com
> I can't remember the name of it though. If the noise
>still is going on, I would look at the things that the drive belts are
>attached to and make sure that they are in good working order.
>
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| was 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound now Dons Automotive Austin TX [message #781477 ] |
Fri, 14 July 2006 16:24 |
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"Don" <don [at] NO-SPAMdonsautomotive.com> wrote in message
news:vs8fb2dbe2v46m5vr0nhseou531rk7r93o [at] 4ax.com...
>>I'm not a mechanic, but I would first check and see how loose the belts
>>are.
>>After that I would go to auto zone and get some stuff that they make to
>>lessen belt noise.
>
> If you were a mechanic you would not do this.
>
> Don
> www.donsautomotive.com
LOL!
That's especially freakin funny because I'm a gearhead from way back, but
due to time constraints Don maintains my wife's car (the PO took the car to
him as well). The man would most *definitely* not do this.
Don is knowledgable, conscientious and honest. The last repair included
rebuilding the distributor vacuum advance - many mechs would have sold her a
new distributor.
--
Mike Harris
1987 Corolla hatchback
Austin, TX
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781483 ] |
Fri, 14 July 2006 17:15 |
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Ray O wrote:
> Also make sure that the belt is not glazed or shiny. Check both the inside
> and outside surfaces of the belts. A worn belt is not always obvious. When
> checking for belt wear, make sure that the angle part of the fits the
> profile of the pulley and contacts evenly.
The belt isn't glazed, but I did notice that it seems to have a fair
amount of powdered rust on it. The car sat for over a month, and
during that time we had a tremendous amount of rain. The humidity is
very high at this time of the year, too. I am wondering if the
powdered rust could be acting like a dry lubricant and causing the belt
to slip a little every now and then.
> On a serpentine belt, make sure that all of the pulley, idlers, tensioners,
> etc. are on the same plane. If one or more pulley is not on the same plane,
> then the pulley and/or belt may make noise when passing through that pulley.
Actually, this could have a lot to do with it. I read that the 1998 to
2001 Corollas all have a problem with the belt alignment. Supposedly,
the easiest fix is to remove the pulley from the alternator and put a
shim behind it. Search Google Groups ( http://groups.google.com/ )
using these keywords: corolla squeal shim letter. One of the posts
listed will be called "My Letter To Toyota..."-- that's the one you
want.
Phil
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781486 ] |
Fri, 14 July 2006 18:28 |
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<pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com> wrote in message
news:1152890108.652677.219180 [at] b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Ray O wrote:
>
>> Also make sure that the belt is not glazed or shiny. Check both the
>> inside
>> and outside surfaces of the belts. A worn belt is not always obvious.
>> When
>> checking for belt wear, make sure that the angle part of the fits the
>> profile of the pulley and contacts evenly.
>
> The belt isn't glazed, but I did notice that it seems to have a fair
> amount of powdered rust on it. The car sat for over a month, and
> during that time we had a tremendous amount of rain. The humidity is
> very high at this time of the year, too. I am wondering if the
> powdered rust could be acting like a dry lubricant and causing the belt
> to slip a little every now and then.
>
That is a possibility. Another possibility is that the dust has
contaminated a pulley bearing somewhere.
A competent shop will have a belt tension gauge and can tell whether it is
too tight or too loose.
>
>> On a serpentine belt, make sure that all of the pulley, idlers,
>> tensioners,
>> etc. are on the same plane. If one or more pulley is not on the same
>> plane,
>> then the pulley and/or belt may make noise when passing through that
>> pulley.
>
> Actually, this could have a lot to do with it. I read that the 1998 to
> 2001 Corollas all have a problem with the belt alignment. Supposedly,
> the easiest fix is to remove the pulley from the alternator and put a
> shim behind it. Search Google Groups ( http://groups.google.com/ )
> using these keywords: corolla squeal shim letter. One of the posts
> listed will be called "My Letter To Toyota..."-- that's the one you
> want.
>
> Phil
>
I'm aware of the problem, which is why I brought it up ;-)
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781503 ] |
Fri, 14 July 2006 23:17 |
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pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com wrote:
> The belt isn't glazed, but I did notice that it seems to have a fair
> amount of powdered rust on it. The car sat for over a month, and
> during that time we had a tremendous amount of rain. The humidity is
> very high at this time of the year, too. I am wondering if the
> powdered rust could be acting like a dry lubricant and causing the belt
> to slip a little every now and then.
> Actually, this could have a lot to do with it. I read that the 1998 to
> 2001 Corollas all have a problem with the belt alignment. Supposedly,
> the easiest fix is to remove the pulley from the alternator and put a
> shim behind it. Search Google Groups ( http://groups.google.com/ )
> using these keywords: corolla squeal shim letter. One of the posts
> listed will be called "My Letter To Toyota..."-- that's the one you
> want.
>
> Phil
What you are most likely experiencing is serpentine belt squeal caused
by a worn leaking "shock absorber" on the tensioner assembly. One
quick visual check would be to look at the top of the vertical "shock"
for signs of oil leakage. Any oil is too much. You could also put a
19mm wrench on the adjuster lug and compress/release the tension to see
if there was any hydraulic resistance. No resistance indicates a dry
shock. This is very common on the 1ZZ-FE engine.
If you should need to change the tensioner, get a new belt at the same
time (generic belt size code = 6PK1890 in metric length; 4060744 or
744K6 in common inch length terms). The tensioner is pricy.
Originally, there were two tensioner manufacturers supplying Toyota for
this part. After the problems became evident, Toyota changed all of
their stock to the one manufacturer that was making them better. (This
is my educated guess on the supply situation)
Further, a bad tensioner usually makes a knocking type noise mostly at
idle with trans in gear. This is a dead giveaway.
If your tensioner is OK then replace the belt only as long as you are
sure that the squealing is coming from that area. Oddball causes of
belt squeal other than a bad belt or tensioner include overcharging
alternator, bad accessory bearing, misaligned pulley(s), or wrong belt.
Every once in a while I come across an aftermarket belt that is the
correct length but there is something different about the cross section
of the ribs that causes it to be noisy. Keep this in mind before you
chase your tail too much.
Clean the rust powder off of the pulleys with a still wire brush before
any parts replacement.
BTW, the Chevy Prizm adds a neat twist to tensioner replacement. They
use an accumulator A/C system (I guess the Nippondenso drier system
cost too much for the Chevy version). Anyhoo, the accumulator and
suction piping really gets in the way during removal.
Toyota MDT in MO
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| Re: 2001 Corolla/Prizm and intermittent squealing sound [message #781507 ] |
Fri, 14 July 2006 23:25 |
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pcalvert [at] rocketmail.com wrote:
> The belt isn't glazed, but....
Sorry, when I typed "Clean the rust powder off of the pulleys with a
still wire brush...", I meant STIFF wire brush. If you used a *still*
wire brush you'd never make any headway!
Toyota MDT in MO
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