Engine Sounding 'grindy'

[jonny guitar]

Hi,

The engine on my Corolla 1.3 1999 has started to sound decidedly grindy, it runs fine apart from this noise, I've done about 90K. Am I correct in thinking that it's probably the gear box, if so, about how much am I looking at to get a reconditioned one fitted?

Thanks for replies,

Jon (Wales)

[blackcts]

Hard to say what it is mate, could be a number of things, could be alternator, gearbox or even engine damage. I ran my old Fiesta Zetec out of oil and while it ran alright it made a grinding noise past 3,000rpm when cold.

Have you checked your oil? Or has it been ran very low? Id say most likely it is probably the alternator which should be a cheap enough fix, id drive away at it anyway until it fails.

[Twincam.GTi]

Alternator bearing ;)

Also what is steering like - is your power steering resorviour topped up (low fluid alone will make a grinding noise on a lot of systems).

Does engine/power unit 'grind' (as you state) all the time? -or when you depress clutch are when car is 'cold' etc.?