My Echo 2005 70K make grinding noise at startup and at low speed.

[hengone]

Can someone help me to diagnostic the noise coming from my Echo 2005? 70K miles. I took to the dealer twice and spend a total of 500$ but the noise still there. The dealer changed the drive belt , new brake pad and clean the rear drum and adjustment. The noise occurred at start up and sometime at low speed below 10mph. The noise increase then stops after 6 second. Anyone have this problem before???


http://youtu.be/XETWXYLA1-U

[ECHOKnight2000]

I was going to say maybe transmission but it doesn't sound that way. I honestly couldn't tell you. I'm sorry to hear you spent that money already, i think you got ripped off.

[zythr]

Poor OP, got "screwed"

[hengone]

Hi I uploaded another video of the noise coming from my Echo. The noise is near the Alternator and at the drive belt.

http://youtu.be/ZItAcF58Dq0

[ericlp]

wow, that's annoying. Sounds like it could be a pulley or possibly the alternator bearing going out? I guess if something seizes up say goodbye to that new belt. too bad you didn't rev it up a little to see if the noise changes?

[Jason.MZW20]

Could be a bad power steering pump. They tend to make awful noises. Since this isn't a serpentine belt drive system, you can remove each drive belt to see where the noise is coming from. At least, that's what I would do if I were a tech working on your car.

Here's a quick test: Turn the A/C on to put extra load on the crank, water pump, A/C and alternator belt. If the noise worsens, you can suspect an issue somewhere on that belt. The P/S pump is a little more difficult, but you could quickly turn it lock to lock. If it's difficult to turn and the noise increases, you've found a prime suspect.

Bad bearings also make pretty nasty noises. Usually, a bad alternator will start to whine first, and the Denso alternators actually use pretty decent bearings. The brushes will wear away before bearing failure, I'd think. But, you never know.

[denman]

Sure sounds like a spun bearing, .... another quick test is spritz some water on the belts while idling; if it's just belt squeal it'll stop briefly until it dries. Otherwise as suggested, load up one belt then the other. Or better, take the PS belt off and run it. If the noise stops the leave the belt off. I took mine off a year or so ago and really like the "steering feel" I now have ...