ES3_Ray

I have a 1998 ES300 with 230k + miles on it. i am a very capable mechanic but i am unable to pinpoint where and what this noise is.

The revs are up a bit past 3000rpm and as it dies down a noise & vibration (slight, you can only feel it but its not so bad you can see the engine shake or any parts on it) comes in at first i thought it was a exhaust leak sort of problem, fixed that. then i thought maybe the timing belt is loose (tensioner) and it was hitting the cover in the lower parts, changed tensioner and didnt change the issue, ran the engine with the timing belt cover off, no visual vibration of the belt. then i noticed that the power steering belt was shaking when the noise came in. tightened it, removed it ran the motor both times, no change. The last thing i can think of is a loose fly wheel or my crank shaft bearings are shot.

while driving the car, you can hear it in between shifts if shifting above 2800 rpm but you cannot feel any vibration.


Please help if you can. i need an engine GURU to solve this one.


Video in HD if you desire.


Thanks for reading,

-Ray

davidv433

check your muffler bearings ..... they might be loose.

03 ES

Ray, i cant get a very clear indication from the video, but it seemed loudest when you had the camera under the vehicle, and it almost sounds like the noise is coming from the bottom end of the engine...at 230k miles i wouldent be suprised if there is some crankshaft bearing noise or crankwalk (maybe the source of the vibration?)...is the check engine light on?

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

^ Corey, what about the crank pulley itself?

03 ES

that or bad water pump...those make crazy noises

ES3_Ray

no check engine light actually, the last one that popped on was the cat efficiency below threshold.

From another forum ive heard it may be the torque converter. the noise is loudest inbetween the engine/trans. and if there was crank walk or worn crank bearings wouldnt it make an even worse noise on rev up?

03 ES

you would notice torque converter failure...
does it shudder on deceleration?

ES3_Ray

deceleration while holding 2nd gear will make the noise until the rpms drop below 2800rpm. other than that the car runs just as good as it did the past 230k miles.

edit, smooth deceleration, no harsh downshifting from the trans, smooth braking and upshifting. (no shuddering)

ruelpogi

Sounds like like your Acoustic Control Induction System is not working (ACIS). Check the left side of your Throttle Body. See if the vacuum actuator for the intake air control valve moves when you rev the engine. The ACIS basically controls the intake roar and lenght of intake track to provide optimum power and fuel economy Also, a mechanic's stethoscope may be able to help you pinpoint the source of the noise.

ES3_Ray

I actually tried that as well, i played with the vacuum actuator while it was revving, no difference whether it was open or closed. thanks for the response!

the noise/issue is a vibration with noise that you can actually feel.

frohboy33

I would agree get a mechanics stethescope and then you can pinpoint where the rattle is coming from. Should be around $10 for one. Could it be the altenator bearings?

PFB

A Good and easy starting point is to remove the serpentine belt, and see if the noise persists. This will identify anything driven by the belt, ie: AC Compressor, Alternator, Belt Tensioner, Pulleys, Etc..

Phil

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Besides the noise you are explaining, is the slight ticking noise present normal?

03 ES

the ticking noise is a combination of the fuel injectors/fuel pump and the signature 1mz valve train noise...these are not extremely quiet motors
mine (with VVTi) is even louder...the VVTi system emits a whine that is noticible at higher RPMs (its the oil pressure actuated cam gear adjusting the timing based on rpm/load)

03 ES

Ray, i wish i could be of more help but i need to have a car in my possession and in front of me to give a proper diagnosis...