Looking for a pro's advice here. My Corolla has developed a strange noise over the past few cold weeks (Highs of 10 degrees max, well below zero at night). The sound would best be described as a cricket-type rythmic chirp noticable during acceleration. I don't believe it's a belt because it comes and goes though it has steadily gotten louder. I vaguely remember this sound being related to a bad water pump I had a few years ago. Do you think this could be the same thing? Three years for a water pump? And do water pumps tend to go out more frequently in the cold weather? Thanks!!!
Why don't you take it to a pro?
First, you need to remove alternator belt and see if the noise disappear. then remove the AC (compressor belt) and notice if the noise disappear last , remove the power steering belt and see if the noise disappear IF NONE OF THESE STEPS HELP TO DETERMINE THE NOISE THEN YOU MAY HAVE TENSIONER TIMING BELT OR IDLER TIMING BELT OR WATER PUMP IS MAKING NOISE.
You can do a prelimary check on the water pump. The water pump on this vehicle is not internally driven so the pulley is exposed outside the timing cover. Grab hold of the pulley and try to push it back and forth. There should not be any noticeable play. If there is, the pump is bad. Could it go out in three years? Sure it can especially if the pump previously installed was remanufactured and not brand new. If still in doubt, remove the water pump belt and start the engine. If the noise is still there, then the pump is not the problem. I live on a tropical island, so I can't help with the weather question, but I believe if you use the right type of antifreeze in the right mix ratio there should be no additional wear on the pump in cold weather. The thermostat should keep the engine at normal operating temperature regardless of the outside temperature (except for while it's warming up initially). Good luck!!
