I have a 2000 Toyota Camry CE and I’m trying to figure out what the part is under the alternator. I zoom in on it halfway through my video. It also sounds like it’s making a weird noise. Any help would be appreciated.
That looks like the AC compressor to me.
Yeah, it looks like your AC compressor.
That noise you hear is probably from the water pump. The part you’re looking at is indeed the AC compressor, but that’s not what’s making the noise. You can take the belt off the compressor and run the car to check.
@Austin
I had a water pump go out before. If you take it to a mechanic, it’s smart to have a friend or family member follow in another car just in case the pump fails. You can’t drive the car without a working water pump because it will overheat.
@Macon
Well, you could drive it, but it would overheat.
@Austin
I have a 98 Camry and it doesn’t sound like that when it runs. If it is the water pump, you should also replace the timing belt.
@Austin
What’s wrong with the water pump if it’s making that noise? Is it overheating? Do I need to get it fixed or can I leave it for now?
Davis said:
@Austin
What’s wrong with the water pump if it’s making that noise? Is it overheating? Do I need to get it fixed or can I leave it for now?
If I’m right, based on the noise, it’s likely the bearing on the water pump that’s gone bad. Since it moves your coolant, it’s really important for it to work correctly. I’ve had two cars with this engine but never faced this issue. My water pump just started leaking without making noise. These engines are great; if you get this fixed, they can last a long time.
Davis said:
@Austin
What’s wrong with the water pump if it’s making that noise? Is it overheating? Do I need to get it fixed or can I leave it for now?
The pump bearings are failing and the pulley is wobbling under the cover. The pump runs off the timing belt, so a problem with it could loosen the belt. You should definitely get this fixed; if the belt slips or breaks, it can shut off your engine and leave you stranded.
You might need to use a stethoscope or a long screwdriver (carefully) to figure out where that sound is coming from. It sounds more like a loose idler or tensioner for the timing belt or even the water pump instead of the AC compressor. Even if those parts were replaced recently, there are a lot of cheap parts out there.
@Dallas
Honestly, don’t do that. It’s better to take it to a mechanic. You could end up injuring yourself.
That noise sounds like a loose timing belt. Do you know when it was last replaced?
Thanks to everyone who replied and helped me out!
Wendell said:
[deleted]
Am I the only one thinking it’s a power steering pump?
No, you’re mistaken. That’s the AC compressor. Power steering pumps are smaller and positioned differently on the Toyotas I’ve had.
That’s definitely your AC compressor, but the noise could be from somewhere else. If you’re not experienced with mechanics, it’s best to take it to a trusted mechanic.
The noise is probably from the water pump. I had a similar problem with a Corolla. When it broke, it overheated the engine and almost blew the head gasket. I recommend having your mechanic check it out because it can lead to serious issues.
@Arlen
Thanks a lot! How much do you think the repair will cost?
Davis said:
@Arlen
Thanks a lot! How much do you think the repair will cost?
Replacing the water pump cost me about $350 Canadian, including labor. That’s not bad compared to the thousands it could cost if you don’t fix it.
If you do the water pump and belt on this engine, also change the oil pump seals while you’re at it.