My Camry 1995 (160K miles) got pretty loud a couple of days ago (rough idleing and noisy acceleration, loud noise (hum) when I turn the steering wheel. I looked under the front of the car and saw smoke (exhaust) coming from under the engine. Had the catalitic converter replaced about 5 years ago. Looks like it's busted again. What do you think, folks? Thanks for any input. Serge
Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing them first hand, but the rough idling and noisy could be due to an exhaust leak. If the catalytic converter was aftermarket, then there is a higher chance that it is leaking than if you used an OEM part.
Even an exhaust leak should not produce smoke unless the engine is really running very poorly or something is dripping on the hot exhaust. The hum when you turn the steering wheel can be from the power steering pump. Check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir. If it is low, then you may have power steering fluid leaking on the exhaust or engine somewhere. Topping off the fluid should quiet the pump, but it is dangerous to have PS fluid leaking on something hot enough to make it smoke. I would have the source of the leak identified and fixed before you end up with a fire under the hood.
Thanks, guys, for your input. Especially Ray. You were right on the money: catalitic converter, PS pump leaking. All those terms you used helped me look like I know something about cars and not a complete ignoramus in that area:o). Thanks a lot again. I'm glad this forum has guys like you hanging around.
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