It’s always unsettling when your car starts making a racket. Just the thought of engine damage can be frightening, knowing that it will be inconvenient and expensive. If you are aware of what is happening to your vehicle, you have a higher chance of avoiding major damage.
A Corolla may produce a noise when starting due to a loose or worn serpentine belt. This belt can create a squealing noise on startup if it’s not tensioned properly. Inspecting the belt for wear and proper tension, and replacing or adjusting as needed, can eliminate the noise.
Another potential cause of engine noise during startup is a weak battery. If the battery is not providing enough power, the starter motor may struggle, resulting in unusual sounds. Testing the battery and ensuring it’s fully charged or replacing it if it’s failing can resolve this issue.
Lastly, engine noise upon starting could be due to insufficient lubrication. If the engine oil level is low or the oil is old and degraded, it can cause the engine components to produce noise until proper lubrication is achieved. Check the oil level and condition, topping up or changing the oil if necessary. Regular oil changes are crucial to maintain proper engine function and prevent startup noise.
This article will discuss some of the most common noises that Toyota Corolla’s are prone to make and what should be done about them. Keep reading to learn more.
Toyota Corolla Engine Noise
Whether it’s a clunk, click, or tick – there is a reason for the sound. Below are some common engine noises associated with the Toyota Corolla.
Squealing From Under the Hood
The likely cause for any kind of squealing noise under the hood is from the serpentine belt. We suggest seeing a mechanic see if it’s a problem. The last thing you’ll want is for the serpentine belt to break because your car can’t run without it. The belt is a significant factor in getting other pieces of equipment to work, including the alternator and the power steering pump.
Clunking While Driving
Another sound you will want to get checked out, clunking, is often a sign of a bad shock absorber. A damaged shock absorber can harm steering or braking systems. The best solution is to let a mechanic handle the job.
Clicking From Turning
If you are running into trouble with noises while turning, you will probably find the cause to be from CV joints. When you turn, the front axles are turning as well. The CV joints are what keep the axles lubricated. However, just as with any other piece, the CV joint can wear down, which will cause them to lose grease and stop lubricating the axles.
We suggest that you consider replacing the CV joint before it can further damage the axles. You certainly don’t want a costly axle replacement on your hands.
Groaning While Turning the Steering Wheel
Unlike the clicking noise, if your car starts groaning in response to your turning, the likely cause is a power-steering system problem. This can be a cause for concern because the steady (or accelerated) decline of the power-steering pump will lead to your losing control over the car’s steering. You’ll definitely want to get this checked out ASAP.
Roaring From Under You
If you have a problem with your exhaust manifold, you will begin to hear a likely roaring sound. Normally, you wouldn’t hear it as the muffler tends to quiet (or “muffle”) engine noise. However, when the exhaust manifold fails, you will begin to hear the engine’s vibrations. Not to mention, you will probably feel the vibration from under the driver’s seat.
We recommend getting your car to a mechanic quickly so that the problem doesn’t get worse by venting carbon monoxide into your car.
Listed above are just a few noises that can come from your Toyota Corolla. Next, we’ll look into more specific noises and leading problems.
Toyota Corolla Engine Noise When Accelerating
Listed below are some noises you should look out for when accelerating.
Copyright protected article by Know My Auto and was first published on Feb 10, 2021. .
High-Pitched Squealing
If you hear a high-pitched, squealing noise while accelerating, you probably have a problem with your engine belt. It is most likely due to being worn or loose. However, another reason could be from failure of the belt’s pulley.
If the belt isn’t under the right amount of tension, it won’t run smoothly (or quietly). Either way, you don’t want to ignore the sounds. You will want to get this checked out. Fixing the problem might be as simple as replacing the belt or adjusting the tension. We suggest finding a mechanic that can help.
Pinging or Rattling
The likely cause for a rattling sound when accelerating is caused by detonation (or pre-ignition). Detonation happens when there is a mixture of air and fuel from the engine cylinder being pre-ignited by heat compression before the piston reaches its stroke. Typically this problem can be caused by an improper amount of fuel octane, improper ignition timing, or from the engine overheating.
Toyota Corolla Engine Noise When Cold
Some noises that you should listen for when it is cold are:
- Squeaking and squealing. You might hear some squealing from the serpentine belt, engine belt, or A/C compressor, or power steering pump if it’s cold outside. Once the car heats up and the oil has reached the top, you shouldn’t hear it anymore. However, if the noise continues to be a problem, then you might want to get it checked out.
- Knocking. After starting a cold engine, it can be normal to hear some knocking noises. This is typically due to increased clearance between the pistons and cylinders. Once your car’s engine warms up, the noise should no longer be a problem. But again, if it doesn’t go away, you might have a problem and should get it looked at.
Toyota Corolla Engine Noise at Startup
It’s not unusual to hear noises from the engine when you first start your car. This is especially true when it’s cold outside. The most likely noise sources are from the hydraulic valve lifter or the wall clearance between the piston and cylinder.
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Another common noise that you might hear when starting your car is a clicking sound. You might hear this noise when turning the ignition and your car doesn’t start. Usually, that indicates the battery is dead, or there is a problem with the starter. You will probably want to try jumpstarting your car or lightly tapping the starter to get it to work.
Toyota Corolla Engine Noise (Knocking/Tapping/Rattling)
Below are some reasons for the knocking, tapping, or rattling of your car and what to do.
- Knocking. As we discussed before, a knocking sound could be due to an increased clearance between the pistons and cylinders. Still, other likely causes for this noise can be from the fuel you are using, low levels of octane, bad timing, bad knock sensors, or worn bearings. We suggest asking for professional assistance when it comes to knocking.
- Rattling. The cause of a rattling noise will depend on the location that it comes from. If it’s not from inside the cabin or trunk, the rattling could be from a loose exhaust system. Detonation is another likely cause, just as we have discussed above. However, if these ideas don’t sound right, you might be looking at a problem with the ball joints, struts, or sway bars.
- Tapping. The most common reason for a tapping sound is low oil levels or a loss of oil pressure.
Toyota Corolla Engine Noise While Idling
A typical idle ranges from 600 to 800 RPM. Of course, this might differ slightly depending on the number of engine cylinders and the type of transmission your vehicle has. If your cylinder has higher air or fuel ratio rates, this will cause a louder than usual idling sound. This can also lead to engine combustion. Typically, your car will start making a knocking sound while idling, and this is a sure clue as to what could be the problem.
Other common problems will cause your car to make noise while idling, such as a failing hydraulic valve lifter. This problem will cause a rattling noise while your car is idling. The lifters are small parts that are supposed to open and close the engine’s valves, and they are activated by hydraulic pressure. Luckily, the distinct tapping sound should notify you right away when this part starts to fail.
Another common cause for noise while idling is a loose engine. This problem will also cause a rattling noise while your car is idle. We suggest that you get this checked out right away.
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KnowMyAuto is the sole owner of this article was published on Feb 10, 2021 and last updated on .