My old Corolla makes an odd noise when starting in the morning

[ros_b]

I have a 1999 Toyota Corolla 1.6GLE. When I start it for the first time on a day, it makes a sort-of groaning sound, especially when I turn the wheel as I reverse out of its parking spot. The noise disappears fairly quickly, and only ever happens after the car has been stationary for many hours (ie, overnight). It's been doing this for quite a few months. During that time I've had new tyres fitted, and I've driven from Joburg down to Clarens and back without any issues. I've been hesitant to take it to a mechanic because I'm thinking that by the time I get there, the noise would have stopped. Advice, please? Would a mechanic still be able to identify a potential issue without hearing the noise? Thanks!

 

[epah]

Maybe power steering pump.

 

[TheChamp]

Maybe power steering pump.

Or the aircon compressor, mine once did the groaning thing for a couple of weeks, I ignored it and it stopped, it has never done that for years now.

 

[GhostSixFour]

Maybe power steering pump.

Sounds like a good starting place.
Although, I'm not sure that the pump noise would go away.

 

[Hemi300c]

Yip the steering pump most likely.

 

[ros_b]

Thanks for the feedback. If it does turn out to be the power steering pump, what should I expect to pay for its repair (ballpark figure)?

 

[Thor]

Open the bonnet and point to where the sound appears to be coming from, can be the water pump, ours failed frequently in the 14 year period we had the car.

 

[TheChamp]

Thanks for the feedback. If it does turn out to be the power steering pump, what should I expect to pay for its repair (ballpark figure)?

It depends, over R10k if you take it to some workshop because they will tell you lots of tales about what needs to be done, or you can buy the part and fit it yourself, it's around R2k for the pump.

Have you checked if there's still oil in there?

 

[ros_b]

Open the bonnet and point to where the sound appears to be coming from, can be the water pump, ours failed frequently in the 14 year period we had the car.

I hear the sound when I'm in the car driving it, so I can't be opening the bonnet and hearing the sound at the same time.

 

[ros_b]

It depends, over R10k if you take it to some workshop because they will tell you lots of tales about what needs to be done, or you can buy the part and fit it yourself, it's around R2k for the pump.

Have you checked if there's still oil in there?

Lol, as if I'd know how to fit the part myself! Or how to check if there's still oil in there! But I do ask them to check my oil every time I fill up - is that something different?

 

[TheChamp]

Lol, as if I'd know how to fit the part myself! Or how to check if there's still oil in there! But I do ask them to check my oil every time I fill up - is that something different?

Yes, that's different, it's hydraulic oil, not engine oil. I would ignore the problem for now if I were you, it will reveal itself with time. Trying to fix it now, especially since you can't work on the car yourself means you are at risk of being scammed.

 

[ros_b]

Yes, that's different, it's hydraulic oil, not engine oil. I would ignore the problem for now if I were you, it will reveal itself with time. Trying to fix it now, especially since you can't work on the car yourself means you are at risk of being scammed.

I'm a bit concerned about leaving it - I'm driving down to Durban soon and wouldn't want something to break on the journey down.

 

[Foxhound5366]

I feel your Corolla. I make odd noises when starting in the morning too.

 

[Nithan15]

Open the bonnet and point to where the sound appears to be coming from, can be the water pump, ours failed frequently in the 14 year period we had the car.

I used to have this issue on one of my older cars, the advise I got was I need to make sure my coolant to water ratio was correct if you go too much coolant it becomes corrosive and eats through the water pump. Found the manufacture recommended ratio and never had the issue as often.

 

[ros_b]

I used to have this issue on one of my older cars, the advise I got was I need to make sure my coolant to water ratio was correct if you go too much coolant it becomes corrosive and eats through the water pump. Found the manufacture recommended ratio and never had the issue as often.

Thanks - though I've had mine for 19 years and this is the first time I've had this issue.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Take it in to a pro. Let them fix it.

 

[Mariuspay]

Take out the Kurt Darren CD!

 

[c3n0byt3]

Take a video maybe?
Then show the mechanic.
If it's the water pump best get it sorted soon!