screeching noise when starting from cold - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ravi2patel · 01-03-2009, 12:00 AM

Hi,
My camry 97 LE makes screeching sound every time i start the car from cold. Recently what i discovered is that when the sound is coming i switch OFF the A/C and the sound disappears. Once the car has reached its optimal temperature i then switch back the A/C and no more sound. Any clue as to what could be wrong..loose belt , bad compressor...etc ???

BTW it has 160k on it and last time i had the timing belt changed was at 60k !

***new echo owner*** · 01-03-2009, 12:20 AM

Is it a I4 or V6, either way, the most you should go with the timing belt is 90k for the V6, 60k for the I4.

From your description, the noise you hear is probably from your drive belts. You can replace them with your timing belt. With 160k, might think about replacing some seals too, crank seal, cam seal, oil pump seal and o-ring.

N.E.O.

islandboy57 · 01-03-2009, 06:55 AM

I agree, sounds like it's time to change the drive belts. Might want to think about the water pump at the same time you do your timing belt, if you haven't changed that in a while.

Jimnist · 01-03-2009, 07:44 AM

Sounds like the serpentine belt is slipping. You can tighten it or replace it, depending on how worn/long it's been there for.

ravi2patel · 01-03-2009, 10:49 AM

its a v4 with CA emission. i take it that the serpentine belt is the Timing belt..right ? What service should i ask for at the garage...160k miles service ?

The car drives and runs really smooth otherwise.

***new echo owner*** · 01-03-2009, 01:24 PM

The serpentine belt you are referring to is just the drive belts, the timing belt is inside, behind the timing cover. If you are having someone else do the work, just ask for a timing belt replacement with drive belts, and then have them report to you about the conditions of the seals while the engine is apart. Ask for an estimate on how much it will cost to replace the seals when doing the timing belt, post it here, someone can tell you whether the prices are acceptable or not.

N.E.O.

Jimnist · 01-04-2009, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ravi2patel

its a v4 with CA emission. i take it that the serpentine belt is the Timing belt..right ? What service should i ask for at the garage...160k miles service ?

The car drives and runs really smooth otherwise.

No, timing is different. It powers the timing (duh XD), oil pump and water pump. It's got plastic covers over it, so you can't see it when you open your hood. The belt you can see is the serpentine, that powers the alternator and air conditioner compressor. Another belt you would see would be the power steering, the smaller, thinner belt.

As NEO said, get a quote for timing and serpentine. Or if you're feeling up for the job, do a search. I'm pretty sure there would be a write-up, very rewarding when you're done and will be cheaper as you're only paying for the parts.

ARIST0 · 01-04-2009, 01:52 PM

A good mechanic should be able to give you a rough estimate of the cost before jacking up ur car. Beside, replacing water pump only require you to jack the front to drain out the coolant. In the other hand, working on those seals, you have to lift the whole car up to remove the engine / tranny - bigger pain in the ass.

That would be ~ $200 for the part of water pump, timing belt, cam seal, crank seal ... Around ~$200 for labor unless u get ur hand on it.

For the leak problem, first try the "stop-leak" solution they sell at automotive shop first. IF they dont work then it's time for the new seals and that would be around $200-300, mostly for the labor. I suggest u just drop a towel in your garage and check the oil weekly, wait till either the engine or tranny fucked up and fix them all at one.

Best,