03 Corolla- strange squealing - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

paintingwisdom · 10-12-2010, 10:01 AM

Hi all. Just got a new-ish 2003 Corolla previously owned by an elderly woman in June with 17k miles on it. It now has 19k miles. It runs beautifully and I have had no problems with it, until recently. I've noticed a strange, light squealing sound when I accelerate and usually when the engine is cold (generally in the morning I hear this sound), and it will lessen or go away when I take my foot off the gas. When it's idling, there is no sound. When the car is warm, there's no squealing at all. What could be the issue?

mikered30 · 10-12-2010, 10:15 AM

Probably the tensioner or belt. Pretty common with these cars. Sound will likely get louder in the winter.

v8eaterWRX · 10-12-2010, 04:35 PM

+1 on the tensioner belt. Its cheap to replace. Like $30 for a gatorback from AutoZone and 15 minutes to install it.

***Zembonez*** · 10-12-2010, 04:38 PM

I'd bet on the original 7 year old belt squealing. They harden and weather with age no matter what the mileage.