2007 Corolla engine area noise

[07corolladude]

I did some research on noise here and I can't find exactly what I hear. I have 40K miles, water pump replaced under p/t warranty 5K miles ago. Gatorback belt that I installed. Dealership said tensioner and pulley is ok (for whatever that is worth). They also suggested a Toyota belt and gatorback will eventually create noise (whatever..I don't buy that). I've used them on many cars with no issue.

I do not believe this is belt noise.

The noise (it is at idle) sounds like a pump/cycling whoosh/cavitation noise type that an upright washing machine agitator will make. It seems to be cycling maybe once a second. You have to be outside of the car to hear it, not terribly loud but noticeable.

I listened around the alternator and belt area and it seems to be coming from there but it is hard to tell. It could possibly be internal to the engine. Any clues? Thanks..

[mikered30]

Does your AC work fine? I believe you maybe hearing your vacuum switching valve (VSV) clicking, which is normal. It is the valve just above the air filter housing attached on the large hose coming out of the air filter box. Put your hand on it and you will feel it click. If that is not the noise, record it and post it on here.



Your VSV maybe black instead of blue, depends on who made it, but it is in the same place.

[07corolladude]

Will the compressor even engage in 20-30 degree temps?
Thanks for the suggestion. Would the noise go to the belt area of the engine? Then again it could be heard towards the front too. When I have a chance I will test that and make a recording.

[07corolladude]

Solved, the genius that changed the oil last "replaced" the shroud by bending it around into area of the belt drive system. Shroud has a wear mark on it. 4 clips solved the problem.

[mikered30]

Glad you found it, and yes the AC kicks on those temps, when you select defrost dial setting, it kicks on.