2000 Camry post-repair help

[CodeyH]

Hey TN, long time reader/lurker.. now I'm posting.

In November, I had to have my Camry serviced, because the water pump gave out.

I replaced the water pump and all the belts.

After getting the car back, I noticed that the steering didn't have much play when I started the car, plus it would squeal and tighten up if I turned the wheel too much.

Late last week, i noticed some of the same belt rattling noise coming back that was present before all the repair.

Yesterday, the car wouldn't start. While trying to get a jump, it would start to crank and go to a ratatatatatatat noise.

Am I a victim of bad luck, and looking at an alternator and battery? Or does the previous repair possibly have something to do with it?

[Mike Gerber]

You have 2 issues here.

The power steering problem is probably caused by a loose power steering belt. New belts have a tendancy to stretch out after a few weeks of driving. Take it back to the shop that did the work and have them retighten the belt.

The rapid clicking noise when trying to start or jump start the car is probably caused by corroded connections at the battery posts/terminals. This might also be why the car didn't start in the first place. Get a battery terminal cleaner available at any auto parts store for a few dollars and remove the terminal ends and clean both the battery posts and the terminals. Remove the negative battery terminal first and reattach it last. Then try to start the car. If it still doesn't start, remove the battery terminals again and clean the terminal connections at the starter. They too may be corroded, but the corrosion usually happens at the battery itself. Now try to start it again. If it still doesn't start, try to jump start it again. Then drive to a local auto parts store that tests the battery and charging system for free with it still on the car.

Mike

[CodeyH]

Mike,

Thanks for the information.. about to dive in to it now.