Humming Noise From Crankshaft Pulley Area

danesh · August 4, 2011

My Toyota Vitz (YOM 1999) with VVT-i (1000cc) engine giving some humming noise from crankshaft pulley area (where the belts can be seen) other than to engine sound. Please note this is not the sound from a damaged belt but clearly a noise from a racer bearing I guess. Please advice what could be the cause and I appreciate if anybody suggest good place to repair this type of mechanical job close to Nugegoda or Maharagama area.

ShintaroX · August 4, 2011

is it a continuous sound? if its continuous check (dunno what you guys call it locally) crankshaft damper (aka harmonic balancer)and belts, they may not be worn, but are they fitted all right?

Whats a racer, bro? Never heard of that part.

Edited August 4, 2011 by ShintaroX

The Don · August 4, 2011

On 8/4/2011 at 12:11 PM, danesh said:

My Toyota Vitz (YOM 1999) with VVT-i (1000cc) engine giving some humming noise from crankshaft pulley area (where the belts can be seen) other than to engine sound. Please note this is not the sound from a damaged belt but clearly a noise from a racer bearing I guess. Please advice what could be the cause and I appreciate if anybody suggest good place to repair this type of mechanical job close to Nugegoda or Maharagama area.

Not familiar with the exact engine, so can't be specific. But the humming noise could be from the belt tensioner bearing, or the bearings of the alternator, power steering pump, water pump or ac compressor. There are plenty of people who can do this in those areas. I tend to go to a mechanic who is based between Gansaba junction and sunethra devi junction in the Attidiya road. He is based on the garrage on the right just after the bridge if you are travelling from Gansaba junction towards Dehiwala, and his name is Sisira. Very trustworthy fellow when it comes to mechanical repairs. But make sure you go buy the parts yourselves as sometimes I'm not happy with the parts he sourced.

danesh · August 4, 2011

On 8/4/2011 at 1:20 PM, ShintaroX said:

is it a continuous sound? if its continuous check (dunno what you guys call it locally) crankshaft damper (aka harmonic balancer)and belts, they may not be worn, but are they fitted all right?

Whats a racer, bro? Never heard of that part.

Thanks for your reply. Yes it is continuous sound going up and down based on acceleration speed. As far as belts concern they all in good shape. Yes I am also guessing problem might be with crankshaft damper. If that is the case do you think this can be fixed any local garaj bass ? or should I visit any reputed company for this job.

By the way "racer" should be corrected as "race bearing" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_(bearing)

Edited August 4, 2011 by danesh

danesh · August 4, 2011

On 8/4/2011 at 1:21 PM, The Don said:

Not familiar with the exact engine, so can't be specific. But the humming noise could be from the belt tensioner bearing, or the bearings of the alternator, power steering pump, water pump or ac compressor. There are plenty of people who can do this in those areas. I tend to go to a mechanic who is based between Gansaba junction and sunethra devi junction in the Attidiya road. He is based on the garrage on the right just after the bridge if you are travelling from Gansaba junction towards Dehiwala, and his name is Sisira. Very trustworthy fellow when it comes to mechanical repairs. But make sure you go buy the parts yourselves as sometimes I'm not happy with the parts he sourced.

Hi Don, Thanks for your valuable information. Does guy you mention (Sisira) expertise on Toyota ? By the way I heard many people talking about Pitshop and Auto-Miraj (I have never been to those two places for mechanical stuff) but do not know whether this type of mechanical stuff can be done at those places for a reasonable price If you have any experience at those two places let me know.

toyota sucks · August 5, 2011

the garages with big names and companies charge a premium amount but the mechanics who work there r in experienced and come there to get experience.

So the best thing is to go for a good indipendent mechanic if there r no advanced diagnostics involved.

The Don · August 5, 2011

On 8/4/2011 at 1:59 PM, danesh said:

Hi Don, Thanks for your valuable information. Does guy you mention (Sisira) expertise on Toyota ? By the way I heard many people talking about Pitshop and Auto-Miraj (I have never been to those two places for mechanical stuff) but do not know whether this type of mechanical stuff can be done at those places for a reasonable price If you have any experience at those two places let me know.

Well Danesh, you don't really need experts on a particular brand for Japanese mechanical repairs. He works within his limits (if there is something he can't do he is not going to try to attempt it), helpful, reasonable with his prices and most importantly trustworthy. He recently did an excellent job repairing my front callipers.

Personally I stay away from places like Pitstop and Auto Miraj, and this is not because of my personal experience, but I like to learn and engage with my mechanic and get involved in the repair work. If I am not going to take responsibility for my car who will ? Sometimes I need the services of these guys when I need a diagnostic report or the problem is electronic but other than that I go to the guy I know and worked with since 1996. They do say the known devil is better than the unknown saint

danesh · August 9, 2011

On 8/5/2011 at 2:51 PM, toyota sucks said:

the garages with big names and companies charge a premium amount but the mechanics who work there r in experienced and come there to get experience.

So the best thing is to go for a good indipendent mechanic if there r no advanced diagnostics involved.

Well after considering all the facts finally I decided to stick with my good old mechanic. However this mechanic does not have any high-tech equipment that makes me little worried and pushed me to looking for some other reliable place that already equipped with advanced hi-tech tools and techniques

For example I asked my mechanic guy to tune-up the engine but his response was negative since he does not have any experiance with EFI - Injector cleaning. I hope due to that reason I might have to go some other place

I agree with you regarding big companies since I had similar experience with my previous car (Mazda 323) where I did a electronic chip replacement in delco (distributor) where Pala auto electrical charge be almost Rs. 20,000/= but job was half done since chip was not original there were some acceleration issues.

Anyway I appreciate all you guys providing your opinion and suggestions and that was really helpful.

Edited August 9, 2011 by danesh