YACT: My car is making weird noises

[cw42]

I drive an '03 Corolla, and recently its started exhibiting some not so normal noises from the engine.

When i'm driving the "hum" of the engine has gotten alot deeper, and louder (I can hear it coming from the left front-side of the car when im sitting in the driver's seat). This is happening anytime I drive, no matter the speed. I have no idea what's causing it, and the car still seems to drive fine. Any ideas/suggestions? (i'm clueless about cars btw, I wish I knew as much about them as I did computers heh)

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Sounds like the exhaust manifold gasket is leaking, or you have a hole developing in the exhaust pipe

 

[cw42]

That certainly dosn't sound like fun... Another person told me it may be because I need an oilchange? I have one due in a few hundred miles.

 

[Hyperlite]

mmm...a leak in the exhaust manifold would sound more like a clicking....i don't know what would cause what you are talking about, aside form the header seperating from the block, which is highly unlikely....transmission friction mabye? mabye it just sounds like its coming from the engine?

 

[dandruff]

mileage?
maybe its just time for an ear irrigation?
does it go even deeper when accelerating/ load?

 

[zanieladie]

I usually just turn up the radio. Sorry I can't help...

 

[JulesMaximus]

You're low on headlight fluid. Top that up and you should be fine.

Might be your intake? Maybe something has come loose in the air intake system? There are usually baffles to keep the noise down and if something has loosened up it would certainly be louder. Otherwise I would check the exhaust. If it is the intake you should really get that fixed right away as you could be allowing dirty air into the engine.

 

[cw42]

After driving home from work today, I can say it sounds more like a growl when i'm going >30mph. Slower than that, and I don't really hear any problem. There's also some slight vibrations too.

 

[FrequencyX]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
You're low on headlight fluid. Top that up and you should be fine.

Might be your intake? Maybe something has come loose in the air intake system? There are usually baffles to keep the noise down and if something has loosened up it would certainly be louder. Otherwise I would check the exhaust. If it is the intake you should really get that fixed right away as you could be allowing dirty air into the engine.

Yep, and also don't forget to check your muffler bearings as well

 

[sniperruff]

i'd guess it's exhaust leak.

 

[Zysoclaplem]

Do you live close to the coast?
I know that can cause premature rusting on the exhaust an possible leaks.