Toyota Mystery Sound

[toyota-boi]

Hello.

Bought my first Toyota a couple days ago. 2003 CE.

From stopped position, on immediate moderate to gentle acceleration, there is a quick & short but distinct "rumbling" or "marbles rolling sound" from the front of the car. It allways happens on acceleration from full stop, never while highway driving, but in a smalltown with poorly kept winter roads I think I have heard it a couple times when going over very bumpy snow areas, at maybe 10klms/hr, but not often and occasionally I think while braking, but the sound is not as distinct then as on acceleration.

Seems to be nearer the drivers side of the car, if not right in the middle, and sounds close to the where we sit, maybe just to the right of the steering column?? I'm not sure. Sounds are so hard to place sometimes. Any ideas lol? I know.. loaded question.

I'm going to take it in to a shop but wanted some ideas before hand so I hopefully don't get 'taken'.

Thanks ahead of time.

>8D

[toyomoho]

To you think it could be the suspension moving, a worn part? If this happens on bumps could be.

[rrichard7]

Is there a loose heat shield on the catalyst? Can you you duplicate the noise by gently revving the engine in neutral?

[toyota-boi]

hmmmm.. not sure about that... I will try the neutral reving thing tomorrow.

thanks. >8D

[mtnbiker3000]

sounds like either a wheel bearing or a worn/wearing CV joint...

[PhantomS]

I'd be VERY willing to bet the sound is caused by bad bearings in your tensioner pulley (I believe that's the correct term) ..... search around, this seems to be a real commom problem on 9th gen 'rollas, at least with the 1ZZ .... in fact, I believe there is a TSB released by Toyota on this subject. Not a recall, unfortunately, but replaceable if it was still under warranty - should be a recall in my estimation, based on the prevalence of the noisy pulley....only cure it to replace (I've read it's a $300+ if done at the dealer....so far,my wife's '05 has not made a sound ..... so far ) I wish you luck sourcing your mystery noise....

[brad_i2001]

Just to clarify, is this the rattling that is in the Dashboard on cold mornings when there are "quick" accelerations?

[toyota-boi]

Ty for another tip,

- It does not do it in neutral.
- I was wondering about the cv joint thing.. not sure how to check this myself, im sorta mechanic illiterate lol.. have appointment for tomorrow.
- I've never heard of a tensioner pulley but will look it up.. tyvm for the tip.

- No this has nothing to do with cold mornings.

Really appreciate all the help.. ty!!

[Rdkill]

Does it sound like a bubbling? I've been in an 04 camry that makes this sound occasionally, normally during warm-up. To me it sounded like bubbling from the radiator or somewhere in the cooling system. Just a thought.