Crazy noise from 1998 Corolla - caught on video

[sinus]

Hi ToyotaNation!

I am having a heck of a time with a noise coming out of the front driver side of my 1998 Corolla.

I have found two threads here that might be the same issue:
Grinding Noise from Front-Left End 1999 Corolla
Knocking noise from front end

But as you know, it's hard to describe a noise.
You can never be sure anyone knows exactly what you're trying to describe.

I couldn't get my mechanic to "hear" the noise - it usually occurs when I've been driving for about 15 minutes.

So I made this video of the problem:

You Tube

You Tube

I observe it most when I am driving downhill or slowing down.

The noise is louder when I'm turning to the right, and disappears when I turn to the left. Sometimes the noise is loud, and sometimes there is no noise at all.

I made this recording when the noise was at its loudest.

I also get a knocking/rattling noise when I am coasting at 50 to 70 mph and I slightly depress the gas pedal.

The noises are scary but they NEVER happen when I have the mechanic ride along in the car.

Please keep in mind, I'm taking this car to a professional - I don't have the knowledge or the means to lift up the car, replace parts, etc.

What's going on, Toyota people?

[Fergifruitchew]

at first it sounded like a tire squealing on the pavement... but after it could be the tire rubbing against something. OR could be a pulley(i doubt it) Its not the engine thats making that noise.

[sinus]

Thanks, Fergifruitchew.
I can see how it might sound like a tire but the sound is certainly not coming from the tire.

[mr1114]

Check the pulleys by removing the Serpentine belt and turning each one by hand. Needless to say they all should rotate freely without play or noises. Might need to confirm with a stethoscope if there are no obvious symptoms.

[Bitter]

why are you driving barefoot?

just ask them to check the wheel bearings and suspension for anything binding and to check the harmonic balancer for damage/separation.

[CorollaRollin98]

my car was making the same noise, i took off the wheel, and cleaned my disc brakes with some cleaner, there was some some kind of crud that made the same noise

[hokie_sti]

Your car is haunted!

That is not the noise my belt tensioner was making. Like someone else said, remove the drive belt and see if all the pulleys move freely. If that's not the issue, it might have something to do with the brakes rubbing something.

[RoachRolla]

geez, that noise is disturbing!