Yaris engine noise (Video)

[badmofo]

I had trouble starting the Yaris this morning, 2 times it ran rough for a few seconds then died. Now it has this growl/whine that is tied to engine speed. I loosened the belt checked the ALT, AC, Water Pump - they seem ok. What else could this be?

http://youtu.be/od1V63stgEQ

[CB900F2]

Sure sounds like a bad bearing

[CTScott]

It sounds like the alternator has a bad bearing. You could take the belt off and run it for a few seconds (not too long since the water pump won't be running) to verify that it is one of the things driven by the belt as opposed to the engine itself.

[ilikerice]

I have a similar noise.. i was hoping it was the water pump personally.. I did install NST pulleys on alt and water pump.. When I took the belt off, The noise went away.. let us know what you find

[badmofo]

I removed the belt and started the engine for a few seconds, the noise is definitely something driven by the belt. I cant tell which one by spinning them with my hand, but the alternator has a little more resistance when turning. Any way to tell for sure? Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it!

[ilikerice]

I was just thinking.. If you had a battery powered drill at your disposal, you could take the alternator off and put the correct socket on it, and pull the trigger, see if it makes that bearing noise a little bit.. Id try this now but im at work.

I will prob try this this weekend

[badmofo]

Derrick, good idea. I'm going to try that right now, errr after a cup of coffee.

[badmofo]

Well the coffee gave me another idea that actually worked. I wrapped about 5 feet of paracord around the alt pulley and gave it a hard pull. It did not sound good, so the official diagnosis is the alt bearing. Is the bearing replaceable or am I looking at a new alt?

[CTScott]

Well the coffee gave me another idea that actually worked. I wrapped about 5 feet of paracord around the alt pulley and gave it a hard pull. It did not sound good, so the official diagnosis is the alt bearing. Is the bearing replaceable or am I looking at a new alt?

Toyota only breaks the alternator down as far as replacing the entire rotor assembly (with the bearings already pressed on) for about $200, so it would be a case of having to find the correct sized bearings or simply buy a low mileage junkyard alternator.

[badmofo]

Would you recommend an aftermarket part? CTScott and Derrick, you have my respect and admiration.

[CTScott]

Would you recommend an aftermarket part? CTScott and Derrick, you have my respect and admiration.

I wouldn't recommend an aftermarket alternator, as others who have use them have had issues with the charging warning light flickering. I would stick with an OEM one and try to find an 08 or newer one to avoid a potential issue with the voltage regulator corroding (of which there was a TSB on for 07).

[ilikerice]

Well the coffee gave me another idea that actually worked. I wrapped about 5 feet of paracord around the alt pulley and gave it a hard pull. It did not sound good, so the official diagnosis is the alt bearing. Is the bearing replaceable or am I looking at a new alt?

:thumbsup:

Better idea than I had.. Coffee always makes you think smarter and faster. 1 cup a day for me every morning. I think I just drink it for the taste now, I can literally drink coffee to fall asleep.

I will try your idea this weekend also..

[badmofo]

:thumbsup:

Better idea than I had.. Coffee always makes you think smarter and faster. 1 cup a day for me every morning. I think I just drink it for the taste now, I can literally drink coffee to fall asleep.

I will try your idea this weekend also..

I have to give you some credit for the idea, you got the ball rolling. Well the stealership is $635 richer and Im broke, but at least the Yaris rus perfect now and I am the owner of free camo Toyota hat. I didn't even complain about the price! Thanks again guys!

[yaris4062007]

$635.00 for the alternater or that includes installation.

[Betrivent]

Wow that is obscene for just an alt..