What Causes the Zizzing Noise in a Corolla?
2 Answers
Corolla zizzing noise may be caused by transmission noise or engine shield noise. The following are the reasons for the zizzing noise in a Corolla: Transmission Noise: If there is a rustling sound inside the transmission while driving, and it disappears when the clutch is pressed, it indicates that the noise source is a transmission fault, possibly caused by worn transmission bearings or gears, or bearing spots. Engine Shield Noise: Screws on a frequently moving vehicle often shift. If you frequently hear noise coming from the area of the intake grille, besides the grille actually being loose, the owner should also check whether the engine shield screws are loose, or if the engine shield has become loose with the base plate, causing the noise. In addition to tightening the screws, padding some cardboard-like material at the noise source can easily eliminate the noise.
I've been driving a Corolla for over a decade and have encountered the annoying squeaking noise issue multiple times, especially noticeable during startup or acceleration. I remember one instance where the sound came from the engine compartment, resembling metal friction or electrical sparks. The most common causes are likely aging drive belts or uneven tension – once the belt becomes loose or develops cracks, it tends to squeal during operation. Another potential source could be worn-out water pump bearings or generator ball bearings, creating noise due to uneven rotation. This isn't a minor issue; if the belt snaps, both the air conditioning and power steering systems could fail, which can be quite dangerous on highways. Some older Corolla models also have suspension bushings prone to wear, producing squeaking sounds when going over speed bumps. I recommend visiting a 4S shop for diagnosis as soon as possible – don't wait until minor issues escalate into major repairs. Spending a few hundred dollars to replace components ensures safety. During regular maintenance, have technicians listen for noise sources to prevent many potential troubles.
