Wierd Noise From Front

[Paul_W]

Hi,

My 2001 Avensis 1.8 VVTi has recently deveolped a new noise from the front that is mainly noticeable when accelerating or slowing down between 10 - 30 mph. It does it whether the clutch is in or not or in gear or not. The best way I can describe the noise is like a washing machine coming towards the end of slowing down after the fast spin.

At first I thought that it was the gearbox after I had one go on my previous (98) avensis but it doesnt seem the same noise and also it is noticeable when "free wheeling" out of gear or with the clutch in.

Any ideas before I spend a fortune on having a mechanis tell me that they all do it, or diagnose a massive fault that will cost a fortune to put right?

Thanks,

Paul

[gazza1286]

I would suggets that it is brake related:-

(i) The thin metal guards behind the discs may have been bent and now are touching/catching on the discs themselves.

(ii) There may be a build up of rust on the face of the discs (probably inboard face) so that the discs are constantly in contact with the pads. (The noise you are hearing may be caused by friction and there could be some extra heat noticable on this wheel)

(iii) (one of) The brake calipers may be partially seized. Again some extra heat may be apparent. The pad thickness on that wheel may be much lower that the other side.

If you have axle stands, raise the front of the car onto them. Spinning both wheels (with the wheels still on) might identify the problem. If not, you could get the wheels turning with the engine running in first gear at tick-over. The noise will probably sound then. Turning the wheels lock to lock may also help pinpoint the sound. An assistant would be helpful.

Obviously running the engine in-gear like this has risks, so be careful.

Good luck.

[nezerr]

im having this same problem of a wierd noise.. dealer tells me its the gearbox... anyone else had the same problem?

[victor kakol]

if its not the brakes, it sounds like a duff wheel bearing

[shroud]

I had a scrapping noise when the gear box was engaged and under acceleration which Toyota said was the driveshaft bearings and needed the gearbox out to fit new ones. They wanted £770 and said it was about 7 hours labour. After picking myself up off the floor i got a specialist gearbox garage to do the job and they charged £375 and confirmed that both sets of bearings had gone and that it was a fairly common problem. Hope this may be of some help.