90 V6 Camry makes buzzsaw-like noise when braking - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

driving90 · 02-19-2007, 10:56 AM

alright, so last month, I found out that the head gasket on my camry is leaking oil. this month...somethings messed up with my brakes.

when I brake, after the car has stopped, SOMETIMES (not always) there is a buzzsaw noise coming from under the hood. anyone have a clue on what this could be? I know it's not low brake fluid because I checked the fluids and everything's good. I just got new belts installed on the engine a few weeks ago (car wouldn't pass safety inspection if I didnt change them)...could it be because of that?

Also, the buzzsaw noise only happens when I'm braking in drive; reverse seems fine. Can it be a transmission problem?

Thanks in advance...sorry I dont know much under the hood,
driving90

monito · 02-19-2007, 11:13 AM

Can you feel a vibration through the pedals while braking? if so, it could be warped rotors and worn brake pads.

If it's not the brakes, which side of the engine bay is the sound coming from? right, left, or center.

When my alternator went out, it had an unusual hum which, from behind the wheel, originated from the right hand side of the engine bay...

driving90 · 02-19-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monito

Can you feel a vibration through the pedals while braking? if so, it could be warped rotors and worn brake pads.

If it's not the brakes, which side of the engine bay is the sound coming from? right, left, or center.

When my alternator went out, it had an unusual hum which, from behind the wheel, originated from the right hand side of the engine bay...

I haven't gotten to drive my car again today, but from what I felt on the commute to school, there was a slight pulsing feel on the brake...it felt like someone's pluse but instead of using your hands to feel it, you used your foot.

Variety=Spice · 02-19-2007, 06:16 PM

Does your car have ABS brakes? Is it that kind of pulsing/vibrating?

driving90 · 02-19-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Variety=Spice

Does your car have ABS brakes? Is it that kind of pulsing/vibrating?

nah...it's very subtle...im not sure if it's because of the brakes or if its because the 1st time i noticed it.

anyways, I just drove home and I've got something else to throw in the mix...I was at a stop light when I noticed the buzzing (I guess i'd be called grinding) again, so I decided to throw my car into neutral to see if it'd go away. It was still grinding so I threw it in to park. STILL grinding even AFTER I let my foot off the brake pedal.

Could it still be the brake or would it be something else?

Doctor J · 02-19-2007, 08:46 PM

Water pump bearing

Mike Gerber · 02-19-2007, 09:23 PM

Also check for a loose heat shield on the exhaust system. As they age, they can become loose and vibrate at various engine speeds.

Mike

Variety=Spice · 02-19-2007, 09:25 PM

I'm confused. A buzzsaw isn't subtle. Which is it?

driving90 · 02-19-2007, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Variety=Spice

I'm confused. A buzzsaw isn't subtle. Which is it?

the buzzsaw noise is moderately loud and high-pitched. the pulsing on the brake pedal is subtle.

driving90 · 02-19-2007, 11:50 PM

one small detail: the car passed the VA police safety inspection last month (with a few belt changes [the ones on the left side of the engine if you're facing it]). hope this narrows the field of possibilities.

TBayToyotaBoy · 02-20-2007, 01:36 AM

I agree with Doctor J. It's your water pump--mine is doing the same thing now and I've isolated it to that pulley.

Only other thing even remotely like that sound (in my humble experience) is an alternator on the outs...again, a bearing problem.

monito · 02-20-2007, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBayToyotaBoy

I agree with Doctor J. It's your water pump--mine is doing the same thing now and I've isolated it to that pulley.

Only other thing even remotely like that sound (in my humble experience) is an alternator on the outs...again, a bearing problem.

+1

driving90 · 02-20-2007, 01:33 PM

ok...I tried to check it after my car was parked today, but it was not making the nosie after I threw my car in park and let off the brake. when I placed my foot on the brake again, the noise came back again. again this was all in park at a complete stop.

from what I can tell, from the driver seat facing the hood, the noise was coming from the left side of the hood.

is this where the water pump is?

also, i've no time to take it to the shop until friday afternoon...would I be safe or would I risk being stuck on the interstate? I only drive ~30miles a day.

monito · 02-20-2007, 03:36 PM

ok, assuming the noise is coming from the driver's side of the vehicle, and given your latest symptom description, I would have to say the problem would have to be with the Master Brake Cylinder.

would you agree doc? 88LE?

marc780 · 02-20-2007, 04:44 PM

Maybe the drive belts are rubbing against something, the timing belt cover or something. But you say it is on the DRIVERS side, so that cant be it.
Put the engine up on stands, open hood, run engine, narrow down the noise. My guess is the noise may get louder or quieter but never goes away so just listen real closely. I'd be thinking about taking it in shop right about now.