Slight Noise When Accelerating

[Roly]

Still getting used to the RAV and enjoying every second of it!! (2001 2.0L GX)

One thing I have noticed that under acceleration I get a slight noise, bit like a diesel sounds from inside the cabin, more noticeable when cold. You can also hear it if you rev the engine slightly. Can't feel any vibration through the gear lever or pedals so intrigued more than alarmed.

Anybody else encountered anything like this?

Any ideas always appreciated

cheers

[anchorman]

Still getting used to the RAV and enjoying every second of it!! (2001 2.0L GX)

One thing I have noticed that under acceleration I get a slight noise, bit like a diesel sounds from inside the cabin, more noticeable when cold. You can also hear it if you rev the engine slightly. Can't feel any vibration through the gear lever or pedals so intrigued more than alarmed.

Anybody else encountered anything like this?

Any ideas always appreciated

cheers

Can you be more specific? Do you mean like a diesel knock noise?

[chatman]

One thing I have noticed that under acceleration I get a slight noise, bit like a diesel sounds from inside

cheers

I have a Diesel and it don't sound like a Petrol from inside.... ;) ;) ;)

Is it a winning type sound, could be the Serpentine Belt...

[Roly]

Not a whining type noise although I do hear a whistle when at idle. Noise is more like a light knocking (not alarming) that increases as the revs do until about 2000rpm and then goes - could then be covered / masked by engine noise in general. Seems to sort itself out when driven a bit (few minutes) and warms up. Tappets maybe?? Valves??

As I have said, doesn't sound alarming...but I am curious

[anchorman]

Not a whining type noise although I do hear a whistle when at idle. Noise is more like a light knocking (not alarming) that increases as the revs do until about 2000rpm and then goes - could then be covered / masked by engine noise in general. Seems to sort itself out when driven a bit (few minutes) and warms up. Tappets maybe?? Valves??

As I have said, doesn't sound alarming...but I am curious

I've heard similar noises from timing belts on Toyota engines. It is just the backlash in the belt and although you could reduce it by tightening the belt, unless it is bad it is better left alone. They tend not to do it when under load. Does it sound timing belt end?

[Roly]

Does it under load when cold, but does seem to go as car is driven and warms up - not sure where noise is coming from, can hear it more when the windows are closed though. Have been onto RAV4World website and it seems quite a few owners suffer the same noise. Does the RAV have a chain rather than a belt and would this make more of a noise?

[chatman]

Does it under load when cold, but does seem to go as car is driven and warms up - not sure where noise is coming from, can hear it more when the windows are closed though. Have been onto RAV4World website and it seems quite a few owners suffer the same noise. Does the RAV have a chain rather than a belt and would this make more of a noise?

Your model RAV has a Cam Belt. New model RAV's are Chain driven.

When was the Cam Belt changed on yours or is it due, whats the millage on your RAV as well.

I believe they need to be checked/changed at 60k

[Roly]

The mileage is basically 48k. Pretty sure its a VVTi and thinking back to the salesperson's patter at the dealer I seem to remember them talking about a chain...any way I can check? The model is August 2001 if that means anything.

[anchorman]

The mileage is basically 48k. Pretty sure its a VVTi and thinking back to the salesperson's patter at the dealer I seem to remember them talking about a chain...any way I can check? The model is August 2001 if that means anything.

It's a belt.

You can tell by the black plastic covers at the pulley end (left as you look under the bonnet).

Chain driven engines tend to have alloy covers.

I really don't think you need to worry, that engine is pretty bomb proof. Be sure to get the belt changed at 60k as chatman says

Regards

[Roly]

Yup suppose they are quite tough! You would have thought a Toyota sales person could have given me the right info though - I would have blissfully carried on assuming I didn't have to worry about the timing belt until it snapped!! I must admit I thought all VVTi engines were chain driven...well that's what I was told when I bought my 2002 corolla.

Thinking about it though its had 60k service done...would they have changed the belt or is that an extra?

[Roly]

Hmmm

looks like an Alloy cover to me, definitely no plastic. Could be a chain then and that could explain the noise...maybe!

[chatman]

Thinking about it though its had 60k service done...would they have changed the belt or is that an extra?

it's part of the service and should be done broken or not.... if they skipped it and it's snaps your in for a load of trouble and £££££

[anchorman]

Hmmm

looks like an Alloy cover to me, definitely no plastic. Could be a chain then and that could explain the noise...maybe!

Sorry mate I have given you duff information. For some reason with all the talk of diesels I was thinking D4D. You are quite right, the VVTi is a chain.

The chain itself is not usually noisy though. However, I have heard a slight "cammy" growl in the past - again, nothing to worry about.

Regards

[Roly]

Thanks for all help so far

I will keep an eye (or ear) on the noise and see if it changes. As I said not really concerned as it does go when the car is driven and warms up - just got to get used to different sounds compared to my Corolla.

Cheers