2005 makes metal ping/guitar string noise once each time I drive - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

BlondeandBlue · 12-15-2009, 10:57 PM

My 2005 Corolla has started making a metal sounding ping - much like an out of tune guitar string being plucked - almost every time I drive. The noise always appears to come from around the area beneath and slightly behind and to the left of the driver's seat. I have had other people in the car hear this noise and also identify it as being beneath, behind, and slightly to the left of the driver's seat.

The conditions vary during which is occurs, highway speeds at 55-80 and city speeds of 15-45 mph. This started about two months ago. I have changed or had my oiled changed regularly (as well as since the noise began), but aside from replacing tires, I have not done anything else since purchasing my car five years ago. It has 40,000 miles on it and no other known issues. I am concerned that this strange ping/guitar string noise may be a sign of a more serious issue.

Does anyone have any advice as to what this may be? if it is nothing, I'd prefer not to have to take it into the shop since money is so tight right now. But I also do not want to be putting myself at risk driving a vehicle that may have a potentially serious issue.

I really appreciate all advice! Thanks!

karazy · 12-16-2009, 03:47 AM

Welcome to the forum.

Make sure that there is nothing under your seat and have a look at the cable for the seat adjustment.

BlondeandBlue · 12-16-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karazy

Welcome to the forum.

Make sure that there is nothing under your seat and have a look at the cable for the seat adjustment.

Thanks!! I'll take a look and see if that is what it is. It sounds more like it is outside of the vehicle though (under the body of the car). Thanks!

thebrokeenthusiast · 12-17-2009, 02:48 AM

Oh, that's just the guitar string they put on the bottom of all corollas. It takes a while before it starts working, but if something plucks it, taps it or bumps it, you hear it inside the car. Kind of a tradition since about 1992.

Seriously, I'm of no help to you.

BlondeandBlue · 12-17-2009, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrokeenthusiast

Oh, that's just the guitar string they put on the bottom of all corollas. It takes a while before it starts working, but if something plucks it, taps it or bumps it, you hear it inside the car. Kind of a tradition since about 1992.

Seriously, I'm of no help to you.

hahaha, I know, it sounds like an odd way to describe a noise, but it really does sound like an out-of-tune guitar. I'm thinking it might be time to hit the shop...