Please tell me why my car is making this noise and what's causing it

[badcompany87]

This started a few days ago. I had gone to SF for the weekend and if you've been there, the streets have some crazy inclines to where you're staring at the sky! Well a day after SF I heard a weird noise from my car, and then it stopped. It started to become more frequent today. It sounds like it's coming from the front driver side. This video isn't my Corolla, but mine is making the same exact noise. Please tell me what it could be and how to fix it. Thanks in advance.

You Tube

You Tube

When the car slows down the noise slows down, when I speed up, the noise speed ups, I dont know if that helps.

[speedy25]

Sounds like a sound track from a horror movie!!

You sound isnt clear enough to tell but I'll take a guess of a wheel bearing. You should be able to jack the car up and find it quickly with just a wheel spin.

-SP

[badcompany87]

Hey Speedy, I tested the wheel bearing, but it's not bad. I'm thinking it could be a bad ball joint because I really hear the noise on a turn. I've never replaced one before, if you have replaced a ball joint before can you give me any pointers on how to make it easier? Thanks.

[speedy25]

A ball joint will NOT make that sort of noise.

But if you have to replace it....

Either use a fork, or a large brass hammer to separate the taper, and its an easy unbolt on the bottom. I dont thinkl I have even heard of anyone replacing ball joints on these cars!

Exactly what engine and drivetrain do you have?

-SP

[badcompany87]

Hey Speedy,

I took my car to the shop, they said there is something wrong with the driveaxle and that they don't do that kind of work but they recommended a good place. He told me it would be expensive. He just said something was wrong with it, but couldnt tell me what. When I drove it today, I didn't hear much noise, and I just drove it back to work, but I drove in D2 and there is no noise in that gear, but I didnt go over 40mph. I have an automatic 1.6L. Tonight I want to drain the transmission pan and clean it out and put all new fluid. Hopefully it helps, do you have any idea what could be wrong with it?

[Redline322]

If you have any spare rims, I'd try them to see if the sound goes away because it sounds like a speed wobble due to a bent rim, almost lost a wheel to one before.

[blumonster]

Water pump/bearings I think.

[REN69]

bad tires maybe? sounds like tire screech almost.

[GROHE]

Originally Posted by speedy25

A ball joint will NOT make that sort of noise.

But if you have to replace it....

Either use a fork, or a large brass hammer to separate the taper, and its an easy unbolt on the bottom. I dont thinkl I have even heard of anyone replacing ball joints on these cars!

A friend of mine just picked up a 95 corolla, and complained about a popping noise in the front left. Took the wheel off, and the only place that had any play was the lower ball joint.