Bearing noise?

[Vooduguru]

1995 Camry LE 4cyl. 230k miles.

When it's cold, it sounds like a bearing was going out on the alternator, so I replaced the alternator. Noise is still there. It goes away when it gets to operating temperature.

Any ideas where I should look?

[JohnGD]

If you replaced the alternator and the noise is still there, then something else must be causing it. Try a segment of garden hose or a mechanic's stethoscope (~$5 at Harbor Freight). Be careful of moving engine parts.

[deadrx7conv]

When cold, remove alternator belt and see if it goes away.
Check oil level.
Test PS pump same way. Remove its belt and see if noise goes away.

If noise is only when cold, it could be a fluid related issue(poor cold flow) and can be addressed with a full synthetic(ATF, PSF< motor oil...).

If noise is only when cold, it could be a loose bearing expanding into spec as it warms up. So, besides alternator, you have A/C, PS pump, timing belt, tensioners..... that you'll have to play Dr with the stethoscope!

[l2edLine]

how about the water pump?

[fenixus]

could be the tensioner or something inside the engine. I have a noisy camshaft on 5s-fe (sounds like bad bearing, mostly when cold then gets quiet).

does it sound like anything described (movies included) in here:
'00 5s-fe (78k miles) cold start noise around 2,200rpm

anything like that ?

You Tube

You Tube

[ghettosled]

another source could also be the AC compressor pulley. i know mine is squeaky on cold days until it gets warm.

[deadrx7conv]

One shouldn't fear the WP or the TB's tensioners.... thats regular maintenance during timing belt changes. But, plenty of dealers, garages... and other hacks will change the TB and nothing else to save you money(or create a future repair prior to the next interval). If thats the case, then worry about them too.

[Vooduguru]

Originally Posted by fenixus

could be the tensioner or something inside the engine. I have a noisy camshaft on 5s-fe (sounds like bad bearing, mostly when cold then gets quiet).

does it sound like anything described (movies included) in here:
'00 5s-fe (78k miles) cold start noise around 2,200rpm

anything like that ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fFj3708XM

Yeah I can barely hear it over the other sounds of the engine.

Is it something that will go away as the weather warms? Or should I get it addressed right away?

[fenixus]

well if you have the same noise I do, than sticking to a little thicker oils (e.g. 5W-30 HM) helps.
Try pin pointing the noise source on cold engine with a piece of hose or large screwdriver or wooden stick, etc.
I can't hear my noise at all once engine is warmed up and car normally driving.

I wouldn't worry much about it for now.

[Vooduguru]

Noise got worse, popped the hood and watched as the car was started. The harmonic balancer wanted to mate with the body, and I watched it go left, then right.

Replaced the harmonic balancer. Problem solved.