Avensis 1.8 Petrol Multidrive Engine Rattling

[alxale]

Hi all..I have a 5 year old Avensis 1.8 Petrol Multidrive (CVT) . Great car , nice to drive and high 40s MPG on the motorway

However since yesterday I have noticed rattling noise to the left of the engine when idle or at low speeds

Just slightly over the 5 year warranty period (ended last month)! 

Anybody had the same issue, or know what it is ?

It doesn't seem to affect motorway or higher speed driving  though - maybe the sound is drowned by all the noise.

Cheers , Alex

 

[HartmannX]

Get it to a garage, dont sound normal.

[Konrad C]

Something is wrong plus your belt is brown! Look at the photo of my engine - 

I would check the pulleys to make sure there are not rubbing, the condition of the idler, water pump and alternator bearings. The alternator pulley has a freewheel. I mentioned the colour of the belt, because I suspect the water pump may have failed, but i may be wrong. Have you noticed any coolant loss or drips? 
To check the pulleys, remove the belt and spin them spin them by hand. They all should be quiet and smooth. You will be able to use elimination.

I also could say the chain cam system, but the sound is not clear enough. 

As Morten as said, get it to a mechanic.   

 

[alxale]

Hi guys

Thanks for the reply - I had a closer look at the belt this morning and it was originally black but the top has turned brown! The coolant fluid in the reservoir seems to be hovering around the low level.  I have contacted my local Toyota but they only have time to look at it next week.

Not sure if I should still drive it in the meantime.

Do you have any idea on Toyota Goodwill in cases like this - Just past the warranty by about a month. Full dealership Toyota history.

Thanks  again, Alex 

 

[Konrad C]

You may have confirmed what i suspect going by the stained belt, low coolant level and what may be a failed coolant pump.  

The water pump cost varies from £56 to over £100, maybe more from the dealer plus fitting and coolant - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLUE-PRINT-Water-Pump-fits-Toyota-Auris-1-6-/191898406766?hash=item2cae094f6e:g:YDwAAOSwMNxXYrP- I would also change the drive belt too!

If I was changing the pump myself, I would drain the coolant, then flush the cooling system, change the pump and gasket which is held by three bolts, replacing the drive belt, then fill coolant with the best premix long life coolant. That is what any garage should do - including Toyota dealer.

As for driving, the lower the revs the better, and so long as the bearings are not seized, should be okay for short journeys.

Not sure about warranty unless you have extended and the part is covered! 

[FROSTYBALLS]

As regards goodwill, suppose once the exact issue is diagnosed, it depends what the issue is and whether the dealer thinks it is worthwhile approaching Toyota. One could approach Toyota GB directly. Bear in mind that if goodwill were granted, it may not cover the complete repair, but be a contribution towards the repair (this is a fairly standard approach across manufacturers).