Sound in 2007 Toyota RAV4 Sport

seattlegirl425

hi. I have never posted anything on here before but I have a question that I need help with. I have a 2007 RAV4 Sport and it is making a noise..... kinda like a rubbing noise, almost a squeaking noise. It happens when I first start up my car and more when the weather is colder. After a few minutes of driving it stops. It also seems to be louder when I am idling, and quiets down once I begin driving again. It seems to be coming from the right front part (the right side if you are sitting IN the car, the left side if you are standing in front of the car and looking at it) of the engine. I can see a belt down in that area...... is that probably it? I have not ever had any other issues with my car (thank goodness!) and I have had it since it was new. Thank you for any ideas you guys might have

Mr_Shiftright

It does sound like some kind of belt or perhaps a pulley noise. Often this is rather normal for an older car and it might not mean that anything is wrong, but it's always a good idea to have the belts at least looked at to see if there is any fraying, or cracking. Pulleys are attached to various accesssories, like alternator or AC compressor and they have bearings which can get dry and start to make noise as they age. Generally such pulley noises get worse and worse, to the point where you can't ignore them anymore.

seattlegirl425

Thank you for your help. I appreciate your time :0)

junebug1701

Seattlegirl, do you have the V6 engine? The water pump is a weak spot on the V6 before 2009. If not the water pump, it could be the alternator or idler pulley. These are all powered by the serpentine belt.