2006 Toyota Corolla Sounds like a tocking noise while engin

Tiny
DEEDEE_61
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 TOYOTA COROLLA
Noises problem
2006 Toyota Corolla 4 cyl Automatic 16700 miles

I have just noticed for about a week a slow tock tock tock noise coming from the area around the engine closer to the right side middle area. I'm not sure exactly where it coming from but it can be heard while the engine is idling. It could be close to soft knock or a tock tock sound. There is also injector noises that I am familiar with thats also has been present for awhile now. Do you have any indication what could be the source of the tock tock noise? I have taken it into the dealer and they have checked it against another vehicle with the same engine specs and told me that this sound is normal. At first they told me it might be the belt tensior sound and they ruled that out once they listened to both engines. I have a hard time believing that nearly because I wasn't present the the time they listen to both. I'm not engine expert but I believe that no noise is normal. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thursday, October 29th, 2009 AT 1:07 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
There are a few vacuum switching valves that can mimick the noise of a lifter tick. Located next to throttle body.

But I agree that the noise is NOT normal.

Have you ever had the engine overheat, or run low on oil?

If car is under warranty, I would talk to dealer service, and if necessary go to Toyota customer service and complain directly.

At 16,000 miles car should be quiet, and Toyota should repair it, not give you excuses.
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Thursday, October 29th, 2009 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
DEEDEE_61
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No, the engine has not overheated or run low on oil. It's last service maintenance was done over 2 months ago. The car has been off the basic warranty period since later part of April of this year. I've noticed the tocking noise about a week ago after I filled gas and let it sit for about a couple of hours. I've used the same grade gas that I've used from day one and the same gas station too. I'm fustrated with taking this car back and forth to the dealer. It has other things done to it since I've bought it. The CV boot was cracked and was leaking, the master cyclinder had a slight leak, the tension belt/support was changed, the brake squeaked and still does, the front light assembly was changed due to condensation, still having issues with the brakes ( once and a while I hear like a knock while I'm reversing and going forward. The dealer lubed the front brakes (pad shifts). I'm really not sure that it cured the problem. I've just run out of options because the warranty period has run out. And now they tell me that the tocking noise is normal, I don't think so. I'll try to take it and get a second opinion tomorrow. Do you think in it will become more of a serious matter? I really would like to resolve the problem as soon as possible. I hope that it won't be an outrageous cost.
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Thursday, October 29th, 2009 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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It is hard for me to say what is wrong and what it will cost without seeing the car.

The VSV for example is about $60 and take about 5 minutes to change.

I would complain directly to Toyota, go to website and then complain. You will probably get more action with corporate than with a dealer.

Toyota like all manufacturers wants customers to be satisfied, dealers, like a small business, are looking at bottom line, and they avoid things that will cost them money (without reimbursment) at the expense of the customer.

I have a 1991 Corolla and, of course work, on it myself, but I have to say that it is a VERY reliable car.
Mechanically it is in excellent condition, and at this point in time will probably rust out before anything mechanical fails ( crosses fingers :) ).
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Friday, October 30th, 2009 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
DEEDEE_61
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I have an appointment to meet with the Dealer's representatives this Friday. They will be the final call on noise that is going on and determine whether they will look into finding a solution to the noise. Also, in the mean time while waiting 2 weeks since their last findings I had several second opinions. Two had said that it was coming from around the oil filter area. They replaced the oil filter and oil but still after they said noise was drastically reduced it was right back after two hours. Also, I was told that my valves sounds like it needs an adjustment. My vehicle has almost 14,000 miles on it. It's does sound noisey along with the fuel injectors ticks and the tock tock noise from the engine area. What would you say might be the cost of getting a valve adjustment on my vehicle? I would appreciate if I get a reply before Friday when the dealers have me meet with their reps on the engine noise.
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Thursday, November 19th, 2009 AT 12:02 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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The camshafts on a Toyota sit directly over the lifter and are adjusted using shims.

They measure shim clearence at firing position and replace the shim if out of adjustment. Clearence is.008" intake and.010" exhaust, on a cold engine.
There is a special tool set required to remove and install shims.

Cost would depend on how many shims need to be replaced. There are 25 different shim sizes, and each shim is about $10.

GENERALLY, the shim configuration will last the life of the car.
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Thursday, November 19th, 2009 AT 7:57 AM

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