Ominous noise

[Johnnny]

Hi i was wondering if you could help me....my 95 Toyota corolla 1.6 l base model is making a clunking noise on start up, , and when i am driving it makes a vibrational noise that seems to be coming from the passenger side......i am wondering if it could be the timing belt, alternator pulley, or wheel bearing
any answers will be appreciated....Thanks John from Canada.

[TheNightWolf]

Jack the front end up and see how much play you have in the wheels.

Just shake it side to side then up and down.
If you have no play, then your suspension should be fine.

Not sure what would cause a clunk on start up though.

[bigd480]

Check motor mounts - passenger side top one is prone to failure. The clunking could be the front one if it only happens when taking off in 1st gear. Mine vibrated like crazy until I replaced mounts.

[Shuttlepod One]

Agreed - Clunking at start-up sounds a lot like a mount.

You definitely need to get under the car and start poking around with a pry bar. Find what's loose. Look for missing bolts while you're at it.

If nothings loose try supporting the engine with a piece of wood and a jack, then starting the engine. Noise go away? Probably a motor mount. Front is easy, side is not as easy, and the rear mount is a bitch.

[Johnnny]

Thanks for the advice guys ill let you know...

[JesusJones]

Sway the car left to right while driving and see if the noise goes away when you do. When you go left if it goes away then the bearings on the left wheels are at fault. Turn right hard if the noise goes away its the right side wheel bearings. Bearings don't need to have any play to be loud as hell. They can also have lots of play and not make a peep.