1999 Camry with chirping noise

[Bondurant]

Hello all. I have just recently purchased a '99 Camry. It is in very good shape and is running well. It has 116k on it so far. Lately, a chirping noise is coming from the passenger side engine area. It is definitely more pronounced when I listen to it from behind the passenger side tire area. At first start in morning, it is quiet and develops to a certain level and stays there. It also seems to be tied to engine rpm. The chirping is similar to a cricket. Steady, but changes a bit with rpm. I do not have any other symptoms as of yet and thought I would ask out here for any ideas. I sprayed water on the belts individually to see if it might show a noisy belt. Nothing changed. The timing belt and other belts were replaced at 68k according to the records. I would appreciate any ideas as to what might be causing it. Maybe it would give me a starting place to investigate. Thank you in advance.

Craig

[tran.man48]

I'd check the tension in the accessory belt.

[Bondurant]

I will take a look at those belts and see what is up. It would be nice if that turns out to be it. Take care,

Craig

[Mike Gerber]

It's usually the power steering belt that loosens up the most, but I would check both belts to be certain. One quick test of the power steering belt is to turn the wheel while standing still. Is the squeak more noticeable? It could also be any of the pulleys down there, the timing belt tensioner, or the water pump. I would start with the power steering belt. That is the most common cause.

Mike