Crunchy rattling sound only when idle and starting?

ALVARJOR3164

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA CAMRY
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
136,000 MILES

I'm getting a strange rattling noise that is louder from inside the car than outside. It can only be described as some sort of metallic crunching or rattling, even close to bubbling. My friends heard it and said it sounds like some parts might be rubbing against each other. I was able to determine that the sound was coming from somewhere behind my back rear tire, but when inside the car it’s so loud that it seems like it’s coming from under the hood. I’ve had trouble finding any info on it, or even a video with the same noise. This video was taken right after starting the car, but it can also happen randomly when I'm idling at a stoplight or drive thru, and it usually lasts from a couple seconds and sometimes a minute or two. Also, I don’t have any sort of codes or other signs of any serious issue.

4 Replies

ALVARJOR3164

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3 POSTS

Here’s the video.

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Sunday, September 29th, 2024 AT 10:17 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
46,719 POSTS

That sounds like a wheel bearing hub. I would raise the rear of the car and grasp the wheel to check for play, also, spin the wheel and listen for the bubling noise. If either of these are present the hub is bad and needs replacement. If nothing is found raise the front of the car and do the same thing. Please go over this guide as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/7-common-symptoms-of-a-bad-automotive-bearing-hub

Here is how to change out the bearing hub on the rear in case you need it.

This guide should help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens. Thanks for the video, it helps.

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Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 AT 10:26 AM

ALVARJOR3164

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hey! Thanks for the quick response, I’m just a bit confused. If it happens when starting the car, what would make the noise come from the wheel bearing if it’s not spinning? It mainly happens when idle and really never happens when I’m actually driving. I’m not really too knowledgeable when it comes to cars so just wanted to ask if i’m missing something. Thanks!

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Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 AT 10:45 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
46,719 POSTS

No, the bearing hubs will not make the noise, I read, "behind my back rear tire" and I assumed you were driving, no problem, lets remove the serpentine belt and start the engine to see if the noise goes away, if you could upload a video of the noise it would help. Here is how to remove the belt, do not run the engine for more than 1 minute. This will let us know if it is an engine accessory or something internal like a timing belt. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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