Rattling noise in Toyota Corolla intake manifold solved

I have a 2002 Toyota Corolla that developed a vibration noise. I searched the net and found that this is a factory design defect and that similar Toyota cars (Camry, 2002 and 2003) have the same problem. The intake manifold has a chamber partitioned with a baffle. This baffle is glued into place and the air vortices in the manifold apparently weaken the bond so the whole thing starts to rattle against the walls of the chamber. The solution is to affix the loose baffle and so stop it to vibrate. The procedure is described on the Topix forum and since it didn’t look too complicated I tried it myself.

The engine I worked on (with a lot of help from my father) is 3ZZ-FE, but I think intake manifolds from other Toyota models look the same or are indeed the same part as mine. The first thing to do, was to pull the intake manifold off the engine. In my case all the screws and bolts were accessible from above but some people report you have to get to one or two screws from below. I guess it depends on the engine model. I had to dismount some rubber tubes and a big air hose coming from the air filter.

The tricky part came next. I didn’t know exactly how the baffle looks inside the manifold so I spent the next hour or two to analyze the whole thing. I slowly built a mental image of what is inside and was just about to give up when it all came together. You have to look trough the big hole (where the throttle body is normally attached) but diagonally across it. You will see very little of the inside of the manifold chamber but you’ll be able to glimpse the edge of the baffle.

The next step was pretty straightforward. We found a good spot to drill a 3 mm hole. We could feel the drill go trough the outer wall of the manifold and then trough the baffle. A 3 cm sheet metal screw (with stem diameter of 3 mm) was carefully screwed in and that’s it! I think a shorter screw would work as well.

I had a new gasket so I used it but the old one looked OK. The dealer also suggested that a new one is not neccessary.

IntakeThe

Reassembly was quite quick and I impatiently started the engine. The noise was gone, although further driving revealed maybe a very narrow range of engine revolutions where the resonance is apparently too strong for the screw to muffle it. If perhaps I could use another one on the opposite side (the bottom of the first picture) the result would be better. But then I would have to drill trough one of the intake tubes which I didn’t want to.

Update (15. 02. 2010)

Michael Lavelle had the same problem (with his Avensis VVti, which has the same intake manifold), but he had two manifolds and was able to sacrifice one to cut it open. You can see on his photo what is inside an intake manifold and what the screw is holding when the fix is applied.

There are two other screws lower down on the manifold, but disregard those as they are a part of an early (and unsuccessful) attempt at fixing the rattle.

Also note that Michael didn’t take the manifold of off the engine, he just used longer screw from the opposite side of the manifold as in my fix. He didn’t even drill a pilot hole. Read more on his fix in the comments below.

I am very thankful for Michael’s input and photos.

Update (11. 03. 2010)

Dan also sent me pictures of his fix to 2003 Camry.

Dan wrote:

a replacement part is $300,
having a non-dealer replace it, another $300

two stainless steel screws: 50 cents
the sound of success: priceless

He drilled outer holes to outside diameter of screw, then drilled smaller tap holes in baffle. After 1.000 miles there is no problem.

Thank you, Dan.

Update (5. 11. 2013)

It’s been four years since I switched my Toyota for a Volkswagen, but the comments about manifold fix keep streaming in.

Here’s a video Brian made, showing what the engine rattle sounds like.

Thank you, Brian.

Update (20. 3. 2014)

Fvo did a video of the fix. Thanks!

Update (26. 1. 2023)

Wow, the post is still relevant! Jean Claude sent me pictures of his fix. I like his very clean engine and methodical approach. Thank you!

Update (21. 2. 2023)

Dani, too, sent his photos of a Toyota Avensis t22 1.6 petrol VVT-i fix. Thank you! He explians it so:

The first attempt was unsuccessful. The second screw solved the problem perfectly. It is very important that the screw in the right place and must be wound vertically. Only the plastic cover covering the engine needs to be removed to make more room for the operation. Then I insulated both screws so that they don’t suck in unnecessary air. The car has never been so quiet in the last 15 years. I am super satisfied.

199 Responses to “Rattling noise in Toyota Corolla intake manifold solved”

  1. grzesiek says:

    hello
    is this solution still working ??

    • Janez says:

      Yes, about 2.000 km after the repair was applied, there still is no noise — at any engine load.

      • joao leal says:

        Good day friends
        speak of Portugal, have a toyota avensis noticed there was a collector of unusual noise ADMISSION, after consulting the toyota and several people told me that I had to buy a new collector, I see where the net and saw that this problem was common to vehicles with engines toyota VVTI, after researching several sites and I saw this already my congratulations to the author of the topic, my problem was solved following the topic and I can tell that already have a toyota again. I think these topics are very good that no more is to exchange ideas and opinions.
        Thanks to all

        Joao Leal

        Portugal

        • Nuno Silva says:

          Viva,
          Fizeste o furo no colecto conforme a imagem aqui no site?
          Tenho o mesmo problema no meu corolla 1.4 vvti e só queria confirmar onde o parafuso é realmente colocado.
          Obrigado,
          Nuno

      • George Lundy says:

        Thank You so much.Absolutely brilliant fix!! This simply works! Well Done!!
        Geo.

        • Steve says:

          Hi
          Did you have to take the inlet manifold off or did you drill into the casing .
          Thank you.
          Steve dickson

      • janez thank you so much for the original post, if you could please pin a link to a video i made which follows you method and shows the engine noise before and after i think it would be useful to other people. Im eternally grateful for the info you have on this page, i thought i needd a new engine for a while! Thanks! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDbV-09I0Pc&feature=youtu.be

      • Alan Watson says:

        Hi Janez.

        I tried your fix on a 2003 Corolla , worked for two years and 9000 miles then started again, as the car is in very good condition I decided to buy a new intake manifold which unfortunately has only lasted for just under two years and 8000 miles. Toyota’s comment was that they only give one year guarantee and the part is therefore out of warranty and it’s my problem. They claim never to have come across this problem before, denying it is and issue, even after I mentioned your site and the same issue with the Camry. Not at all happy. Next time I’ll buy a second hand part and do your fix cheaper and lasts about the same length of time. Excellent site and brilliant fix.

        Regards Alan

        • Janez says:

          Alan,
          Thank you for sharing your experience – this article wouldn’t be as good without your valuable input.
          It’s a shame this is happening to Toyota – the brand with an image of reliability.

      • George Gibson says:

        Thanks for the info on the toyota intake manifold. I used your picture and i put the screw spot on. Thanks again.
        George from kempton park, south Africa

    • George Clayn says:

      You have to be carefull after applying the fix. Replace the screws once per year or two or use vibration durable screws. My corolla sucked broken screw after 3 years and number 4 cylinder head collapsed. Overhauled the engine.

    • Keith Towers says:

      My garage did mine last year during a routine service using this same method, but the noise returned 9 months later. Now I will have to get them to do it again. Is there a better fix for this problem? It is very annoying. My gearbox bearing went after 35000 miles and I had to replace the whole gear box myself because it was out of warranty (low mileage user). I will never buy a Toyota again that’s for sure.

    • Sohail says:

      It works 200%.
      I am absolutely amazed when I tried the solution.
      Its truly magic.
      Use at least a screw of one inch length,if doesn’t work,then use a bit longer.
      Hats off to the genius who shared this experience.

    • Tafadzwa says:

      Thanx it really worked for me 2day I just changed the mainfold and the noise was gone

  2. grzesiek says:

    fuel consumption is the same ??

    i have the same engine as yours 1.6 16v VVTI
    and this noise from intake is terrible

    • Janez says:

      Fuel consumption should not be affected by the rattle of the intake manifold. Alas, I didn’t notice any change for better of for worse.

      The noise grows stronger over time and I didn’t stand it anymore, so I did the procedure and now driving my Corolla is a pleasure again. 🙂

  3. grzesiek says:

    ok , i’ll try to make this tricks in few days

    i’ll let you know about noise results 😉

    see you soon

  4. Toyota says:

    Nice article, tnx

  5. pj says:

    Janez,

    how does it look now? Still ok, or another fix was needed? Could you please send me some more pics if you have any? I especially would like to know how to find the exact position for the screw placement.

    • Janez says:

      pj,

      After several thousand kilometers of driving the fix is still fully effective.
      Don’t worry about the exact placement of the screw – it is not that critical. I don’t have any more pictures, but after you take the manifold off of the engine, study it a bit and compare it to the photos above, you will be able to define the right spot for the screw.

  6. pj says:

    thanks Janez, will try it soon!

  7. Dafke says:

    Hey,

    Same car, same engine, same problem….

    Thanks for article, will try screw solution soon!

  8. Michael says:

    If you put the screw in the opposite way there is no need to remove manifold.See photos, put the screw in the other side of the ridge

    • Janez says:

      Michael, I don’t know if you can easily drill the pilot hole with manifold still attached to the motor. If someone tries it, please post it in the comments.

  9. Michael says:

    Janez
    I done it myslf on an Avensis VVTi which has the same manifold as the Corolla.I used a narrow chipboard screw to drill the pilot hole as it was too far in to drill with a bit.There are 4 Intake pipes coming off the engine,The dipstick sits between 2 of them and the other 2 are free and i actually put a screw in between both of them.I could try and post a photo but I must admit Im no expert at that.

    • Janez says:

      Nice improvement over my fix. If you like, you can send a picture to janez (at) gorup-sinkovec.net and I can post it to the article.

    • NilukD says:

      Hi Michael,

      I have a 2005 Toyota Avensis 1.8 VVTi and get the same kind of rattle between 1700 – 2000 rpm and the intake manifold looks as same as yours.

      What’s the Length of the screw I should use for fix please?

      Many Thanks

      NilukD

  10. BigEnd says:

    I had the same problem with vibration from the inlet manifold of a 2002 Corolla 1.4 vvti. It was beginning to sound like a diesel engine at times. I’ve just followed Janez’s method (based on the photos) and so far so good – the vibration has been eliminated. Let’s hope it continues like that.

    I knew there was a problem but couldn’t figure it out until a sales man in a Toyota dealership said my inlet manifold had a problem after he test drove it (I was thinking of trading up). He said it would cost €500 for a new manifold but they could also fix it with a screw so he wasn’t worried about it and wasn’t taking it into account in pricing my car. This info led, after a focussed search on the internet, to this thread. Magic. I’m now happy with my Corolla again.

    Obviously the Toyota main dealers know about this solution – I wonder how many use this method and actually charge for a manifold replacement!! That’s what I’d call being “screwed” if it happened.

    • Janez says:

      My Toyota dealer knew about the problem but not about the fix. A nice mechanic even offered to devise a solution with sawing the manifold in half and then gluing it back together. He eventually abandoned the idea and just offered a new manifold for 600€ (installation included).
      Even when I purchased the gasket the guys there knew immediately what my problem was and they thought I won’t be able to fix it. That was about half a year ago – I doubt they know how to fix it yet.
      You are right regarding the falsely charged repairs – these days car shops cling to every job they can get. It’s no wonder they charge up to 200€ (albeit for higher end cars) just for fluids change at regular check-up …

  11. dan says:

    Janez,

    thanks for the info
    my mainfold is different from the two shown, but your photos were a great help to repair my camry
    send me your email and i’ll send you photos of my repair
    thanks again
    Dan

    • A Eames says:

      Dan,

      If your offer to send a picture of your fix to the Camry intake manifold rattle is still good, please send me your fix picture(s) as I have the problem and want to try your fix.

      Thanks,

      A Eames

    • tim says:

      I’ve been reading the posts for the intake baffle vibrations. i believe to have a similar problem. do you still have photos of your 2003 camry’s intake manifold that you could send me.thanks

    • Tony says:

      Dan, it looks like you removed the intake to make the repair. Do you think it could be done without removing it? Could the screws be inserted from topside?

    • Bruce Roy says:

      can you please send me the fix for Camry intake rattle fix? (2003 2.4L)

      inchica2009@yahoo.com

  12. farh says:

    hi there i had the same problem and went to see a dealer for a trade in on my corolla 2004 1.4gle. prior to this i went to toyota who quoted me 3000 rand to buy and fit in a new manifold.so i googled my problem and got this page. i am so please that i found this blog.i tried the trick explained above and shewwwh i am relieved. no noise at all.thanks a million.toyota should have a recall for their plastic troublesome manifolds.

  13. NilukD says:

    Cheers JaneZ, I’ll try with a 3cm screw

  14. george penn says:

    hi, my wife had the same problem with her manifold on a corolla, with a small web search, found this one, 1hr later problem fixed. braw
    anyone no what can be wrong with my merc c240, runs for 10mins then cuts out, had the fuel filter & pump replaced but no joy, i’m having the crankshaft pulley replaced as the rubber dampener is coming of, could the crankshaft sensor pick this up & cut the engine of.

  15. Dan says:

    FYI: Camry fix now has 10,000 miles and is working great.

  16. david dyer says:

    thanks folks for the tip. this noise has been driving me crazy for ages. at first i thought it was a heat sheild problem.

    i was quoted £200 for a new manifold plus £200 for labour!

    my car is a 2002 corolla t3 1.4

    david

  17. aaron says:

    Dan,

    Were you able to get the bolt on your 2003 camry from the top or did you have to come from bottom to get the bottom bolt?

    • Dan says:

      Aaron, Sorry for my delay in answering your question. I don’t remember having a problem with the bolts. I probably removed them from the top. Sorry I can’t be more specific. Dan

      • JonD says:

        Hey Dan –

        Coming out of no where as it is now April 2013, but I have a 2003 Camry 4 cylinder and had my mechanic take off the intake manifold and drill two holes in the same location as your photos show. I had planned to be there to comment as the work was being done, but no luck there. He put it back together with no success. He said he was shooting in the dark and could not see anything. He used 1 inch screws and epoxied it with Permatex after screwing them in.

        Had I been there I would have had him probe the drilled holes for the length of screw to use. Perhaps they were not long enough. I am going back in again for another try at this. Where do you think I should have the new holes drilled? Do you remember the length of the screws you used?

        Hoping for some good news and at least some hope on this.

        Thanks in advance.

  18. Haztay says:

    Just fixed my Corolla using Michael’s method perrrrrrrfect. Thank you.

  19. Arif says:

    Hi all,

    If it is not a user but common error why we are not talking to Toyota directly to fix this problem? Is there anyone who tried to contact to Toyota?
    Thanks,
    Arif ( from Turkey )

  20. Arif says:

    by the way please remember the the motto of Toyota ” your car is my car” And the nature of Toyota is “zero defect”
    Arif (from Turkey)

    • Janez says:

      Arif,

      I think many people tried to sort this problem with Toyota (check the link to Topix forum in the article) without any success.
      If Toyota at least would inform their dealers and shops how to fix this like we did (and only charge 5 € or so) …

  21. Cobus says:

    Janez,

    Thanks for the great article.
    Thanks to Michael & Dan for the additional pictures.

    I used your idea but opted to fix the problem without removing the manifold from car.

    I used a 3.15mm brazing rod to melt a hole inside the manifold near the throttle. Then melted a 1mm hole through the inner baffle. I melted the holes rather than drilling through it to avoid any shavings entering the engine. The distance between the outer hole and the inner baffle is approximately 14mm at the location I used. I then inserted a 25mm course thread drywall screw fitted with a 2mm O-ring to avoid any leaks.

    Works like a charm!

    Here’s a couple pictures.
    http://i28.tinypic.com/286zvw6.jpg
    http://i28.tinypic.com/25sv0w8.jpg
    http://i29.tinypic.com/2qk6zy1.jpg
    http://i31.tinypic.com/33p3s3n.jpg

    **EDIT by Janez**
    I am adding these pictures to my site in case tinypic.com stops hosting them:
    http://gorup-sinkovec.net/wp-content/incoming/2010/10/286zvw6.jpg
    http://gorup-sinkovec.net/wp-content/incoming/2010/10/25sv0w8.jpg
    http://gorup-sinkovec.net/wp-content/incoming/2010/10/2qk6zy1.jpg
    http://gorup-sinkovec.net/wp-content/incoming/2010/10/33p3s3n.jpg

    • Janez says:

      You guys are improving on the fix all the time! Way to go!
      Did you make the holes straight in or at an angle? I am asking beacuse I didn’t think that baffle goes so far right (so near to the throttle)…

      • Cobus says:

        I took a chance and made the outer hole first, then with the engine at idle I inserted the cold brazing rod again and barely touched the baffle when the noise disappeared. So I figured only one screw in that location would be enough.

        It seems the baffle runs right up to the throttle body along the seam of the manifold. The holes are straight down. I poked around the inside to get an idea where the baffle is located and even if you make the holes at an angle it will still work.

        I drove about 800Km’s this weekend without the noise returning. I even fixed a friends car this morning the same way, also a huge success.

        • Tari says:

          Hi Thank you for your nice comments. I just bought my toyota corolla 02 1.4vvti same problem making noice. please could you email to me pictures and let me know how many screw need to put also if you got video will help me more. Thanks a lot

      • Peter says:

        Hello guys.

        You put a lot useful information about manifold rattle.
        Thank you for that.
        I want do to it for myself like Cobus did (without manifold rmoving).
        Please write if I will do the hole just like on the Cobus’s picture it’s gonna be fine?
        You choose this place because because inner baffle (inside manifold)?

        Please write it like for the amateur cause I don’t want to do it wrong.

        Ps. If I’ll put screwdriver in this place and push a bit it’ll stop to rattle for a while?

        Thank U for your answers.

        Peter

        • Janez says:

          Peter, everething you need to know is in the article and comments. Please read all of them and you should know what to do.

    • Tragicdave says:

      Just carried ot the fix on a 1.6 VVTI Corolla as per method posted by Cobus. Car has gone from sounding like a 1980s diesel to a well maintained 2002 petrol engine. Can’t believe the difference. Thanks Guys for posting your solutions on this site, very much appreciated.

    • David says:

      In December 2011 I used Cobus’ method on the inlet manifold of my 2002 Corolla 1.6 T3. It took precisely 2.5 minutes. 12 months later it is still running like silk. My UK Toyota dealer had quoted £450 for “replacement”. Many thanks.

    • fvo says:

      Fixed it! I filmed it, maybe it helps some people tot see it

      Cobus method: [link to video removed – it was no longer accessible]

    • Hi, thanks for the info! Am I missing something? You talk about two holes but I can only see one on top corner of the manifold. Where’s the second hole? Thanks!

    • From Rwanda,
      Instructions from Cobus went well with my recent acquired 2000 Toyota Corolla 1.6 16V VVT-i.
      6 months ago I imported the lower vehicle mileage from Germany with very good conditions, except for the badly rattling sound from the engine. Initially the first owner from Germany tried to screw the manifold but at the wrong spot, I tried the exact spot as guides by Cobus, and got amazing results from that experience.
      I first of all thank Janez who has generously initiated this blog and shared his first experience as well as others who improved the rattle fixing depending on the profile of a VVT-i engine and the air manifold. I would shared pictures but I don’t find how I can do it.
      Be blessed every one who shares his brainstorm

  22. Dilan says:

    Hi, thank you for the great instruction. I have a Toyota Corolla VVT-I 1600 Petrol Auto. I just found out from my garage that I have this problem and I need a new Inlet Manifold which will cost me around £250 plus fitting cost. I thought I will never have this money and I have to live with nasty noise.

    Janes, mine is similar to yours, I was just wondering how I should choose the spots for the screws? Do you mind to send me some mark up images please?

    • Janez says:

      Dilan,

      Please read the article as well as the comments – a lot of additional information can be found there. Also Cobus supplied some pictures in his comment (31. July 2010).

  23. Mark says:

    I am trying to diagnose a 2002 camry. I attempted to fix by putting screws into the intake manifold. Still getting an awful rattle though, and can’t tell where it’s coming from. Sounds like a nut flying around inside the crank case.

    Can anyone give a better description of what the manifold problem sounds like?

    • Janez says:

      The noise is similar to that of a busted exhaust system. It is constant (the baffle oscillates at a steady frequency) but gets louder at certain engine revs (due to resonance).
      My mechanic tried to locate the source by putting handle of a screwdriver to his skull and then pressed the screwdriver to various parts of the engine.

      • Fred says:

        We have a 2003 camry that has been making a terrible rattling noise for 6 months. The noise only starts after the car has been running for 5-10 minutes and is worse when idling. Does this sound like the manifold problem. Mechanics have been unable to find the problem.

        • Janez says:

          My manifold did not rattle when idling. The noise was also independent on the engine temperature.
          I don’t know what the problem could be. 🙁

  24. Jacob says:

    Hi Janez, I had the same problem too (Toyota, Avensis 1.6 vvt-i) I did it in the same way Cobus did. But i drilled a hole. I could feel that the inner baffle was loose. After that i put a nice screw in it. And now the rattle is gone! It feels like i have a new car again, so smooth and quiet! haha Thanks guys!

  25. James says:

    Hi Janex, a lot of loose pieces inside manifold after drilling. How do you get them out? Do you think they will cause problems later?

    • Jacob says:

      I think that it will melt/burn in the motor. It’s plastic and not metal.
      Please correct me if i’m wrong!

      • Janez says:

        The guy that did the original fix (I read about on Topix forum) left plastic shavings in the manifold, also. He reported no problems and assumed they burned in the motor.

  26. james says:

    hi ive a 02 corolla and have same problem..got a quote for 750euro googled my problems and seems like its an easy diy job f***ing rip off garages and mechanics…..can anyone tell me if there is a timing belt or chain on the 02 corollas vvti 1.4 cheers!!!

  27. Aaron says:

    2003 Toyota Camry 2.4L

    Thanks Dan for your photos, so far so good. For the Camry, The bottom 2 bolts is much easier to get from the bottom. Make sure to use jack stand and wheel choke for safety!!

    • george says:

      Hi i have the same problem, i was wondering were u put the screws? Two at the bottom or just 1 on top… (shown in pic)

  28. Ion says:

    Hi everyone,
    I read the posts above and it is not clear to me if the “ratling noise in the intake manifold” was/is dependent on rpm.
    I have a Toyota Camry 2007 4 cyl model. A few weeks ago it started to have this vibration (and noise associated) but only at engine rpm in the range of 1800-2000. Outside of that range everything goes nice, no vibration, no extra noise.
    Please let me know if it was similar in your case (so this solution would aplly to me as well), or you think it is different situation.
    Thank you
    Ion

    • Janez says:

      Ion,
      The noise is stronger at specific engine revs but generally at higher rpm than you specified (around 3.000 or 3.500). I was actually driving my Corolla at around 2.000 to avoid the noise!
      You car is also a lot younger and as far as know Toyota fixed this problem in the later models.

      • Ion says:

        Janez,
        Thank you for the reply. I am starting to lose hope that this is the solution for my situation as well (it would be too easy, right?).
        Just for clarification, in my case it is not the noise that seems the biggest issue, but it is a sort of vibration that I feel in my stomach and chest every time the rpm goes through that range of 1800-2000 rpm.
        Any additional comment, advice or opinion would be more than welcome.
        Have a nice day
        Ion

      • Lek says:

        Hi Janez,

        I have the toyota camry as same as Ion,The manifold is as same as the picture that Dan post,and I put the 2 screw as the same position as shown on the pisture,the rattling soud is gone after I fix it back and start the engine.
        I try to push the fuel paddle slowly to 4000rpm,the sound is amazing,if I try to push the fuel paddle strongly to 4000rpm,there is a strong viabration sound come from the manifold for a few secand and go back to normal.
        Is it posible for me to put more screw into the manifold to avoid the the strong viabration?

        Thanks

        • Janez says:

          I don’t know. I guess more screws – strategically positioned – could reduce the vibrations. Nobody tried it yet (or reported it here).

  29. Alastair says:

    Hi,
    I have a Corolla 1.4 vvti (2000) which has had a growing air manifold noise problem. I saw this page a few months ago when just one person had put a screw through their manifold, but didn’t feel confident to do the same to mine. I revisited this page two weeks ago and saw much additional info – and gleaned from it that putting a screw though almost anywhere seemed to solve the issue; so I did mine!
    I put a screw though my manifold close to the air-intake side whilst the maifold was still mounted to the engine. Success! The rattle went completly. I noticed a few hours later that although the low-rev rattle had gone, there was now a higher frquency vibration which occurred around 3000rpm. Thinking about the internal contruction, I put another screw through the airbox (still while it was mounted to the engine, close to the opposite end, through the edge-seam (away from the air intake). Hey presto – manifold is now completely silent at all revs 🙂
    Thanks to all contributors who gave me the confidence to try this “bodge”!!

  30. Alastair says:

    Ion,
    Hi, re-reading your observations about noise and vibration and drawing on my (limited) experince of this issue, I would hazard that your problem is different.
    Although our rattling manifold problem is annoying, it is never more than the resonant rattle of a loose plastic sub-assembly inside the plastic air intake manifold. There is no physical shaking/vibration associated with it, as it is just lightweight plastic vibrating against plastic. It is, to all intents and purposes, 100% acoustic.
    If you “feel (the vibration) in my stomach and chest”, I think you may indeed be looking at something less trivial. Sorry and best of luck!

  31. David says:

    Thanks for great descriptions of the rattling noise fix. I followed Janez’s procedure,with great results. I have 2001 Toyota Corolla.
    A few more observations that I hope may help: the lose baffle inside is made of plastic too. You can clearly see it when looking down the hole for the throttle assembly – it is a flat piece across the whole manifold body – attached to it along the seals that are visible on the manifold outside. When you hit the baffle with a screw driver through the throttle hole, you can hear it is lose – the sound is clearly different from hitting the manifold body itself. I used 2 screws (3 x 30mm) but after attaching one screw and hitting the baffle with the screw driver again, it didn’t sound lose any more. I drilled 3mm holes at 45 degree angle relative to the manifold seal – much like Janez. I placed one screw at the position that Janez shows in his 1-st picture – see above – under the 1-st pipe. I placed the other screw to the right – at the same manifold edge – between the 2-nd and 3-rd pipe. After drilling the holes, I tapped the manifold with my hand on various places and plastic shavings came out through the hole for throttle assembly – looked like most of them. I put silicone sealing under screw heads – probably not necessary I guess.
    All the rattling noise is gone now.
    Many thanks again to everybody who contributed to this discussion – it saved me so much money … or my hearing.

  32. Huan says:

    I have had a droning noise develop in my wifes 2000 1.4vvti Corolla.
    Somewhere I remembered that I had read about this before and searching brought this page up, great how-to!
    One tip, if you are worried about swarf from drilling holes smear the drill bit with grease in the grooves and the shavings will stick to the grease and not fall into the manifold.

    • Alastair says:

      Hi Huan,
      Good luck with the “droning” noise – hope it’s the car and not the wife 😉
      I didn’t worry about swarf, thinking that it was only plastic and it would, at worse, get sucked into the engine, burnt, and spat out. All seems well 1000 miles later and after an MOT (UK safety and emmissions test.

      Cheers
      Alastair

  33. Glen says:

    Hi All,

    Just got a quote from Toyota to sort the manifold rattle problem on my mother’s 2002 Corolla 1.6 petrol auto (39,000 miles)…

    £340 including VAT for the new manifold, and 2 hours labour at £100 per hour give-or-take for fitting.

    Have followed the advice above, and thanks to Cobus’s helpful pictures, have inserted a 30mm screw into the manifold and stopped the rattle in about 5 minutes (including the time to find drill, bit and screw in the shed). Total cost probably about 1p.

    Hooray for the internet!

    Many thanks to all the above contributors. My mother was unable to hear the rattle due to being a little deaf in her advancing years, but it drove me round the bend whenever I had to drive or travel in her car.

    All the best, Glen.

    • Richard says:

      Hi

      Like Glen, I’ve followed Cobus’ instructions and it’s worked a treat having driven around for months in a Corolla that was sounding like an old truck. I was quoted £429 to replace the manifold part. Garages obviously know of this fix, but still try and take the motorist for a hefty fee.

      Thanks to everyone for their helpful advices on here. I’m so glad I decided to do a bit of research and found this article.

  34. Marie says:

    This is the exact problem I’ve been having with my Corolla. So glad I found this. All of a sudden, it started rattling, almost like a diesel engine. Glad to know there’s a possible fix. Going to get my mechanic to take a look at this and the car. Thanks!

  35. Stanley says:

    Thanks Janez, I made it by myself(on a Toyota Avensis 2002 3ZZ-FE) as u have shown here, and the noise (of an old truck) has disappeared.

    Thanks again to everyone.

    I can enjoy a smooth ride from now on.

  36. Estelle says:

    I took the paper to a mechanic and he used the instructions and managed to silence the noise of my Corolla which sounded like a tracktor!

    I am SO thankful…words cannot describe!

  37. Richard says:

    Just to update from my previous posting, my Corolla has just passed it’s UK MOT Test, which includes an emissions test, so the fix has obviously worked well and there is no leakage either.

    Several thousand miles later including a long holiday trip and all still sounding quiet. Thanks again to the contributors who shared their knowledge of the fix on here.

  38. Mike says:

    I think my wife’s car is having the same problem but the images don’t look like hers.

    http://i53.tinypic.com/30u7c75.jpg
    http://i54.tinypic.com/29j5oo.jpg
    http://i51.tinypic.com/2cn7g5.jpg

    There are three pictures on her intake manifold. It doesn’t look like any of the images above.
    She is getting a rattling noise and it seems like it is noticed the most when you are stopped with the car still in gear.
    So not sure if this is the same solution for me.
    If you have any thoughts on this, please let me know.

    Mike

    • Janez says:

      The manifold is obviously different. You probably will never experience the problem we’ve had.
      Based on your description the problem may be in a worn clutch or (worse) something with gearbox. I am not a mechanic, so this is just a guess!

  39. Carmen says:

    Does one of you lovely gentleman want to come and fix my Toyota Corolla for me. I have just been quoted £450 to repair mine!! What a rip off!! lol

  40. Jeff says:

    Thanks guys for all the information regarding the rattling manifold on the Corolla. Mine, like all the others, sounded like an old tractor. Stopping anywhere was an embarrassment of the highest order. Parked outside my brothers home speaking to him recently it was a case of “What the f****** hell is that noise?” (he spluttered through his laughter).
    This made me determined to solve it. Like others I was quoted £460 at a Toyota main dealer for a new manifold. Thanks to these “posts” a 1″ self-tapping screw, a small drill bit and a little bit of self confidence I have now cured the rattle. IT IS A FANTASTIC CHEAP BUT EFFICIENT “FIX” Completed with the manifold still attached to the engine.
    BRILLIANT.

  41. russell says:

    Used the same fix as Cobus on my corolla 1.6vvti, only with a 40mm screw and now the noise has gone. Many thanks to you and this web sight.

  42. tim says:

    anybody have 2003 camry intake manifold photo’s they could send me.
    I’m having the same issues. would like to get fixed.

  43. Jenny says:

    just wanted to say a big thank you for this article. I have a 1.6vvti corolla and have had the rattle noise for some time now. This time my Toyota dealer told me the inlet manifold needed replacing at a cost of £450. I was beginning to think maybe it is time to sell the car but read your article, showed it to my husband who put a screw in this morning and my car is so much quieter. He used grease on the drill bit like someone suggested and said it took him longer to find the screw than it did to do the job. Having just found out that my next service does not need the cambelt changing as it has a chain you have probably saved me the cost of buying a new car.

  44. Lucky says:

    Hi guys bought myself a corolla 1.6 vvti with the nasty noise that I think you’re talking about , was gonna try and find an alloy intake manifold but after looking at this I’m getting the drill out tomorrow !!! Fingers crossed il let tou know how I get on..
    Lucky

  45. Ed says:

    Thanks for the incredible information. I am amazed and congratulate you on helping so many being driven crazy with a wierd sound. I recently posted the following…. on another site (see below). Then luckily I found a note regarding your site.
    I already paid $650.00 back in 2008 for a new intake manifold now after 30,000k more miles on the car I was getting ready to do it a second time.
    //////////////////////////////
    Original note posted 11-26-2011:
    2003 camery = same (ratteling noise) problem
    a. Dec 15, 2008:replaced (by my independant car mechanic) intake manifold at 40.5K miles for $650.00.(I changed it out as the noise was finally getting to me).
    b. Dealer said “tough luck”.
    c. State of Missouri. said tough luck; but they did answer my consumer complaint letter.
    d. Wrote several letters to Toyota. They eventually gave me a coupon for $650.00 but had one year to use it at a Toyot Dealership. OK, thats better than nothing.
    e. Now milage = 70,600 and same problem….same irritating noise. So every 30,000 miles or so I am going to have to change out the intake manifold???
    f. I hate to say it but I actually thought I got a new re-designed intake manifold that wouldn’t have the same problem.
    g. I have not read all the responses, but I did see the one where the owner took off the intake manifold and fixed ???? the problem. Didn’t seem easy.

    JaneZ …… I thank you for the help.

  46. Travis says:

    I have a 2003 toyota tundrathat may have the ame problem but its not just a bad rattle from the intake, my old girl is way down on power. After about 2000rpms its rattle horrable that trucks been good to me for 200,000 miles. It now has 208,700miles, any help please. thank you.

  47. Steve says:

    I have a 2009 Corolla LE 4spd auto. The sounds I’m currently hearing is very similar. Will this “drill and screw” method work for my model year as well. Please help. Thank you.

  48. […] due to a design flaw and a common sickness of plastic intake manifolds. This link may be helpful: http://gorup-sinkovec.net/diy/rattli…nifold-solved/ I have the same problem but haven't tried this yet. I'm still trying to convince my dealer to […]

  49. Andras says:

    Hello!

    I tried Dan’s fix with my 2002 Camry 2.4L …but without any success….the car has more dramatic sound than before…..maybe I have to try in another place…but where exactly…?Please someone help me …thanks…I am living in Hungary, Europe…

  50. Janis Winehouse says:

    Thanks for the interesting posts. Does anyone know if the intake manifold problems described here would also apply to a 1995 Toyota Corolla? It sounds like diesel and the dash board and door panels seem to vibrate especially when it’s first started. The noise gets a little better when it warms up but it’s still loud. A number of mechanics have looked at it as say the car is mechanically sound and they haven’t been able to find what’s making the noise.

  51. Mikel says:

    A very big thank you to you all. Had my 2003 Corolla at the dealership this morning and got the answer that I needed to replace the air intake, cost C£500. I had put up with the rattle for a year, so thought I would just turn up the cd a bit more. Having then had the diagnosis I searched the web just to see what I could find.

    What a great link, followed janez pictures, 1 minute and 1 3mm screw later, fixed.

    Toyota, you should be ashamed of yourself. This should have been a recall.

    Thank you all again, now he wife is off shopping t spend the £500 we have just saved!

  52. Jim B. says:

    This screw thing works! I was able to drop the intake back off the engine far enough to do this without taking it out of the vehicle. I put 3 screws in. Thinking three is better than two. I have no idea why it works but it does. Only investment, three screws, some silicone caulk,and about 3 hours of my time.

  53. maize snack says:

    Yep… it works 😉
    if you want to fix the manifold insitu then melting a hole would stop any debris from going into the engine, if you drill i suppose a small amount of plastic would get into the engine but would probably burn up and flow out through the exhaust …
    Don’t be afraid to do this fix as it is very easy (the hole shown on the pictures above doesn’t have to be exact, anywhere within a 10mm radius will be fine)
    So crack on and save some big wonga

  54. Jehan says:

    I would like to say thanks to everybody especially Dan. I have a 2003 Camry and I also put in two machine screws exactly like Dan’s Camry. Now my Camry sounds very quiet. So this fix is proven to work.

    Basically my story is that I bought my Camry with 22,000 miles on it and it had this rattling sound since day one. I was able to take it to a Toyota dealer and got the intake manifold fixed under warranty… and guess what…the new intake manifold has slowly started to rattle after 60,000 miles. I always loved Toyotas but I am seriously doubting about getting a new one in the future.

  55. Thomas says:

    Hi! I also fixed the rattle with a metal screw in the right place on the inletmanifold just like Janez did. And it works just fine now. No more rattling noises. My Corolla is from 2002 an had just done 70.000 km. And also in the Netherlands the Toyota dealer offered to fix the problem bij installing a new manifold for €750,-. I tried to get non-Toyota parts but they weren’t widely available. Secondhand inletmanifold costed up to €350,- but in the end a little metal screw 44 mm just did the job after drilling a 3mm hole at an 45 degree angle. I did take out the complete manifold. It went right out. Putting it back was more of a husstle. But this can be done by anyone with a bit of technicians eye. It is handy to lable the different hoses/tubes comming of the manifold so you can easily find them again when reinstalling. Just knock and blow some of the plastic bits out of the manifold after drilling the hole put in the screw and reinstall. It’s realy that sinple! Thanks for all the information and feedback here! A second hand metal screw………. Priceless! 🙂

  56. Mark c Young says:

    Just bought a lovely 2001 Corolla with 48k on the clock, after 5 days of rattles I’ve done the mod without taking it off the engine. It now purrs like a Corolla should.

    Thanks

  57. philip harvey says:

    hi i was quite worried about doing this but at £300 plus fitting i was prepared to give it ago and i have to say it seems to of worked a treat i have only put the one screw in by the throttle body as cobus did and was just wondering if it would be a good idea to place another one in between one of the inlets could someone tell me wether its worth doing or should i leave it alone ?? thanks

  58. Tito says:

    Hi!!

    I have a 2002 corolla, 1.6vvt with the rattle noise…. the car works well, but the sound is killing me :S

    What method you reccomend to do?? “janez method”, or “cobus method”

    Regards!!!

  59. Tito says:

    I did “cobus method” and worked fine, but i put around the head of the screw a special glue called Nural 32, for seal the hole to prevent air leak, and movement of screw…..

    im so happy, my corolla sounds well!!!!

  60. Tito says:

    Hi!

    After 150 Km, my corolla still sound well.

    For information, i called a toyota dealer, an the value for the inlet is 614 euros…..

    I hope that the fix work for a long time xD

  61. Bob P. says:

    I had just recently purchased a used 03 Camry with 150k miles, and the noise from the manifold was driving me crazy. Luckily, I found this solution and tried the fix with 2 stainless screws and it completely solved the problem. It’s nice and quiet now, the way it’s supposed to ! And saved at least $600 over letting a shop replace the intake.

    Thanks alot !

  62. David says:

    This is an enlarged repost of original in December 2012 which was placed with 2010 stuff somehow. In December 2011 I used Cobus’ method on the inlet manifold of my 2002 Corolla 1.6 T3. It took precisely 2.5 minutes, involving one screw inserted as per his photo, without removing manifold. 12 months later it is still running like silk. My UK Toyota dealer had quoted £450 for “replacement”. Many thanks.

  63. jeff says:

    my original fix was 23/9/2011 and its still as good as new–NO its better than new. The screw is still in place doing a great job.

  64. jeff says:

    Some time ago I watched two Toyota Mechanics listening intently to the engine noise coming from a Yaris engine compartment. At this time the car was on a public car park where they had test driven the car to and I was sauntering past giving my dog a bit of exercise. As I walked towards them they looked up at me and jokingly I said,”Its the intake manifold that`s rattling.”
    They both started laughing and one of them replied, “You`ve got a Corolla haven`t you?”
    I said I had and that “the screw” had cured it. They laughed again and I walked on with the dog.

  65. tony rahd (BW) says:

    I imported a 1.6 VVTi corolla from UK to Botswana last year. less than two months time the rattling noise started.Was scared to drive the car until last week when i saw this and i did cobus method. Noise is gone and i can drive a bit faster now. THANKS A LOT GUYS.

  66. george says:

    Hi everyone

    Is this project a solution to the problem in these videos? (low idle + vibration)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn70mShdMx0

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imLsTi4VABg

    • Janez says:

      I don’t know. My Corolla had vibrations at higher revs. I don’t have the car any more, so I can’t be of more help.

  67. Steve says:

    Could a small hole be drilled in the same location as where the screws were installed, and an expanding foam, like Great Stuff be injected into the hole? Or would the foam intrude into the manifold plenum?

  68. Richard says:

    I did my fix in Aug 2011 and all is still fine, I’m pleased to report. The car has got through two UK MoT tests since.

  69. Gary says:

    I have a 2003 Camry LE , and am not sure where to drill the hole in the manifold without taking it off the car. I think it would be from under the car. When I take the metal heat shield off of the bottom, I see a seam in the manifold around 6 inches away from the engine, near where the two sections of the heat shield join. Would the hole be drilled around 1 inch from that joint toward the engine, between 2 of the 4 intake tubes in the manifold, at a 45 degree angle up toward the joint in the manifold?

    Gary

    • Janez says:

      I believe it would work, just don’t use too long a screw. I recommend thorough reading of all the comments for a better understanding of the manifold inner structure.

  70. Tony says:

    I have a 2003 Camry with this problem. Can someone tell me if you have to take the manifold off? The manifold is between the engine and firewall. Also, can you be specific as to the location of the screws.

  71. randy says:

    Very good info. I’ve had this problem with my wifes car for years. I’m glad to finally know what it is. Ill be fixing it within the upcoming week. Thanks for this site!! Brilliant!

  72. roks says:

    Hi,

    Is there a video of this particular sound/vibration issue? My 2004 corolla 1.6 vvti sounds quite loud and worse in the colder weather, slightly better in the hotter weather.

    I just want make sure that it is a manifold issue and not something else.

    Thanks

  73. […] place and over time can losen and rattle. The main fix is a new intake manifold but they are $200+. This guy used a couple of screws to secure his and I read on anther forum of a guy who cut a hole in his manifold and re-glued the baffle back in […]

  74. Keith says:

    My 2002/3 Corolla has had this problem for about three years now. I got the garage I have my servicing done with to use this screw-down method, but it lasted for about six months and is now back to square one with a vengeance. I am so fed up with it that I will have a new manifold fitted on my next service. I’m not rich enough to buy another car and had this one almost from new, using it in a rural area where not much mileage is required. For this reason I want to keep it on the road. Anyway getting it done is cheaper than a new car isn’t it?

  75. Daz says:

    2001 corolla 1.4vvti fixed using this article thanks very very much.
    I used this same principle that ‘cobus’ mentions with his pics. Simply took off the plastic engine cover ( two 10mm bolts), pulled the pipe that’s attached to the radiator to one side, I didn’t disconnect it, and drove a 40mm wood screw in the same area as cobus’ s pics. 10 minutes and my rattles fixed. Thanks to you and all who’ve commented for saving me money that I don’t have to spare. By the way I didn’t drill or melt any pilot holes, just let the screw drive through the plastic manifold. Was thinking of putting some threadlock on it but I couldn’t find any in my garage and it’s worked a treat without. Thanks again

  76. muzaffer says:

    Thank you guys. I had the same irritating noise from the right side of the manifold of my avensis 1.6 l. VVT-i engine (model 2001). The noise appeared mostly when it was coldwether ( below 15°C), and between 1500 – 2500 rpm. First I thought, the problem with the injectors of my LPG-system (Vialle), its mounted on the manifold. Most of the people on other forums think that is a chain problem or other serious problems. After long search, i found your site.I used two screws just like yours and Michaels idea. The noise has disappeared ,

    Thank you. I love my Toyota Avensis again.

  77. Rob North Wales (UK) says:

    Thank you so much everyone on here for providing me with such a fantastic cheap fix. I have had my Corolla 1.6 vvti (2001)for 5 years. It’s just notched up 127k miles without a single hitch. Its been off road and standing for around 7 months. I have recently been getting it ready for MOT Testing and once fired up I noticed the noise from the inlet manifold. Thought the worse and tried isolating various ancillary components, coolant pump etc, my dread started to build thinking it was a major engine component. Last grasp effort prompted me to Google the problem and up came this discussion thread. It took 2mins to complete the repair, drilling from the top without removing the manifold. Hey presto, noise gone, fantastic, thanks a million.

  78. Brian says:

    Thanks for the info on this page – i have fixed my engine rattle with this fix. I have posted a video on youtube with the typical sound from the engine and what it sounds like after securing the baffles using screws. Might be useful for anyone trying to understand if they have the same issue. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDbV-09I0Pc

  79. Kostas says:

    Good morning and happy new year. I have a TOYOTA AVENSIS “02 with 1.6 liter
    3ZZ-FE engine. The intake air manifold has the same problem for many kilometers and years. Some engineers told me to change manifold, others to leave it.
    My question is there a danger to break a plastic piece, insert to engine and cause damage? Please respond…thank you in advance

    • Janez says:

      Kostas, most probably a few plastic shavings from drilling could come into the engine and they would most probably be burned up without any damage to the engine.

  80. Douglas Avila says:

    please see my engine corolla 2003 vvt-i: http://youtu.be/VKUJMe5ypTo

  81. Andy says:

    Thank you for your work on this. My partner’s car has been rattling for a while now, Toyota wanted loads to fix it and second hand parts are rare now. I guess everyone is having the issue.

  82. Apostolos says:

    Just finished. I used Michaels way and the noise just desappeared. I heated a metal nail about 1.5 mm diametre to open the pilot hole (to avoid small plastic parts droping into the manifold) and then I used a screw 3 cm long and about 2.5 mm diametre. I put some drops of water over the screw while the engine was running to see if there was a leak and to my disappointment there was a small leak. I used a drop of PVC glue used for plastic water pipes and everything was perfect. The best part is that I didn’t remove the manifold from the engine. The mechanic guy asked 200 Euros fo repair and I did it with no cost. Thank you all for sharing.

  83. Marcin says:

    Corolla 02 – Cobus method works just fine ! Done in 5 min 🙂 thinks 🙂

  84. mar04 says:

    Worked for me as well, corolla 02, Cobus method.

  85. Colm says:

    This worked a charm on my avensis 02 vvti. Top men

  86. Andor says:

    Hello!
    Is there anyone who had the rattle only during accelerating at 1800-2200 rpm? I hear no rattle in idle. Corolla 2003.
    Thanks for the answers

  87. Edward says:

    Will this work on the Rav4 ? Mine sounds like a tractor.

  88. Manuel says:

    Great article. I have the same problem con my corolla t-sport 2002. Anyone have tried and fixed this model with this solution?

  89. Nelosn says:

    Excellence article . I need to pay the owner of this article a nice large beer . Did it on my Toyota Avensis 1.6vvti and 20k km later still going strong no more stupid noise rattles . I found it rather easy to work out how to put the screws in the right place .
    I drilled a small primary hole and could feel the inside plate that needed to be fixed with a thin rod . after that it is all about having a bit of intelligence with the right drill-bits to make the right size primary holes .I used some nice wide tread screws and tightened it by hand with a bit of sealant on the threads to make sure no air leaks stayed behind . It was a rather quick clean and nice job to do , nothing to complicated I did was remove the manifold to do it on a workbench and after all the drilling was done I just blow it out with the compressed air to remove any derby’s .
    Thanks a lot Dominika & Janez

  90. Manuel says:

    I would to known if everyone has tried this fix with a corolla t-sport 2002. I have the same issue but my manifold is made of aluminum. Thanks

  91. Maciej says:

    Wow!!! Bought corolla 1.6 2002 whith the same problem and then i did find this website. Tried Cobus solution and it works!!! Money saved!!. Thank you guys for sharing this idea!! Poland loves you!!

  92. xfilipm19 says:

    Hey Gyus,

    I used Cobus method on my Toyota Avensis 1.6 VVTi engine, sounds like new car now. Love it again
    Thank you guys

  93. Alex says:

    Hi
    Did somebody this fix to 1ZZ 1.8 engine?

  94. Ash says:

    Hello everybody,
    I did exactly what Cobus mentioned for his fix on my Corolla 1.6 VVTi engine and didn’t have to take it off it sounds as a new engine. Thanks everybody and Janez. I’m glad I didn’t get screwed by Toyota’s £633 quote. I really think Toyota should have rectified this issue as it is a design fault. I emailed Toyota as they wanted a customer survey as they charge £80 for diagnostic and I had a warantee added on purchase of second hand car, another con, to say it covers only the engine and gearbox but not the manifold and surprise surprise didn’t hear from Toyota regarding anything not even to acknowledge receipt of my e-mail. I’m elated by the quick fix and again a huge THANK YOU to everyone.
    Thanks Guys.

  95. Tako says:

    It works a treat! It is a 2 minute job and it really does cure the horrible baffle noise, thanks everyone! Corolla 2002 1.4 VVTI idles perfectly!

  96. pelfed says:

    I have 2004 VVti Auto Avensis – My engine rattle only seems to be happening when I very lightly accelerate (to keep up speead on the flat). If I accelerate harder the noise/rattle stops. In neutral, no noise can be heard at any revs? Is this the same issue?

  97. Gerhard says:

    I have a 2003 Toyota runx had the same problem. Did the fix like Cobus and now there is beautiful silence where the rattle use to be. Took me only like 2min to complete the task. thank you for saving me money and time without my car. My Toyota dealer wanted to charge me R5000 to have a new manifold fitted

  98. Smith says:

    My problm is solved

  99. wispa says:

    Well, I have taken the jump and had a go at this fix! my Corolla 1.6 vvti is at 143,700 miles so wasn’t prepared to pay £400 for new inlet manifold only for it to have same problem again. thinking what have I got to lose?
    I used a battery driven screwdriver (didn’t trust myself with drill) to drive a 3/4 inch 2.5-3mm screw into same position as following pic:
    http://gorup-sinkovec.net/wp-content/incoming/2010/10/286zvw6.jpg with some sealant as don’t have o-ring to hand…time will tell, fingers crossed!!

  100. […] http://gorup-sinkovec.net/wp-content…10/33p3s3n.jpg PICS ABOVE originated from this post here Granted, this is Easier to do on the Corolla b/c the intakes between the bumper and engine, […]

  101. emrah says:

    Hello everybody, İ have same problem on my 2004 corolla 1.6 vvti.Really this sound bothers me too much anymore but i want to try this solution but i am frightened becasue if i make something wrong and inlet manifold wont work anymore.(i dont understand from engine).İs it possible?

  102. emrah says:

    İ solved the problem with cobusmethod 🙂 thankyou so so much!!!!

  103. Pablo says:

    Just fixed it using Michael’s method. Pure gold! This fix just saved me 640€, so grateful I am 🙂

  104. […] I dont even know if this is my problem but if I can fix it with a screw why not try. The link; http://gorup-sinkovec.net/diy/rattli…nifold-solved/ Shows it was done on a corolla, however there intake where they put the screw on the top part of […]

  105. Oto says:

    Thanks. I will give it a try.

  106. Moiz says:

    Hi Experts,

    I have corolla 2002 1.4vvti 4ZZ-FE. My intake was making same rattling noise like if i had 1.4D4D corolla instead of petrol. After reading through the comments i tired to put a screw(4mm x 30mm) like cobus but didn’t work. i later replaced with 40mm but my luck didnot seem to work either. i also added screws like michael but no chance of rattling to disappear. Can anyone help me please

  107. irek says:

    Thank you guys, all of you! I’ve found nice video showing how it looks inside: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTCLzxbgpY
    and also another good example of rattling sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_leUwk0ues

  108. Ves says:

    Hello,

    did someone fix it on 1.8 1ZZ VTTI avensis 2004-2008 and what was the method?

    thanks a lot.

  109. Aurimas says:

    Hello,
    i am correct? Is this a red marked screw?

    Photo
    http://i64.tinypic.com/beg8ix.jpg

    • Janez says:

      Yes, I beleive thats the one. I don’t have Corolla anymore so I can’t check.

      • Alfredo says:

        Hi Janez, kudos to you for putting up this valuable site. However, i have not followed any direction because I am worried the screw could break. Dont you think a plastic screw would be safer alternative in case it breaks?

        Thanks
        Alfredo

        • Janez says:

          You have a point, however we’ve had no report of a screw braking. I don’t believe the forces and vibrations are such that a screw would be much under stress.

          • Alfredo says:

            One more quick question, i learned that it is more likely related to Cam Gear and apparently it has been affecting most toyota sedan models. Have you heard of that? However, i am still surprised that people in this blog claim the screw has been working. Can this still be related to the Cam Gear? I believe one person in the blog claimed that his screw broke and went inside engine. I know I am discussing two different topics here.

            Thanjs, Sir
            Alfredo

          • Janez says:

            You are right, someone did report a broken screw after 3 years of use. A plastic screw would be an option, as you suggested, or replacing regular screw once a year.
            I can’t say anything about the Cam Gear though. I am actually on my second vehicle from that Toyota I fixed and frankly I am amazed this blog post is still alive after 12 years.

  110. Ant says:

    Just wanted to say thanks for all the information on here. I purchased an old ’01 Carolla with less than 50k on the clock so was gutted that I became aware of this noise and finding out it would cost a fortune to resolve.
    Using the method of screw on the bottom side, I sorted this without removing anything apart from the cover. Sorted in 15 minutes and I’m pretty inexperienced, wouldn’t usually change more than a bulb or a wheel.
    Thanks again

    • Alfredo says:

      Hi Ant,

      How can we tell which area to insert the screw? Should I just pick any area?

      Thanks
      Alfredo

  111. […] Score: 0 reviews Best I could find: http://gorup-sinkovec.net/diy/rattli…nifold-solved/ Camry Mod THIS '15 4Runner SR5 (1GR-FE) '09 Camry SE 2.4L (2AZ-FE) '97 Tacoma XL 4×4 […]

  112. Bruce R. says:

    Hi, my 2003 camry LE 2.4L recently started this ratting noise. I would like to fix it with screws. Here Dan did a fix for his 2003. I would like to know if that fix was successful or not. Thanks

  113. Harry says:

    I have 2000 Camry V6 XLE. Made in Japan.
    It is not Plastic intake manifold.
    It seems to be aluminum alloy.
    It is making similar noise from intake manifold.
    Has anyone experienced similar problem?

  114. Michael says:

    I have a Toyota runx 160rs
    Please help
    The inlet manifold is making a terrible sound.. Like a diesel engine.. How do I fix the terrible noise

  115. Alfredo says:

    Hi,

    Wouldn’t it better to use a plastic screw? That way in an event it breaks, it will just melt away? Would that make sense?

    Thanks
    Alfredo

  116. Luke Qi says:

    Thanks so much for sharing! Now, i’m trying out this method. However, I do not want to replace the screw once a year or every couple years. I really love a job done to last many years!

    So, i’m trying to select a really good quality vibration durable screw! Would someone pls upload some pictures of the screws you used and worked??? Also some pictures after you drill the screw on the intake manifold??? These 2 kinds of pictures would help a million!!

    Thanks!

  117. […] I found this article and even though it’s a bit unorthodox; it seems to have worked for many people and I would […]

  118. High credits to Janez who created this blog to share the world his experience, and respects to Cobus who improved the technics of eliminating the rattle noise without removing the manifold, and thank u every blogger who shared his brainstorm experiences. My experience copied instructions posted by Cobus on 31/07/2010 23:50 with pictures illustrating the technics. from my experience the secret lies where you drilled near the throttle a) the outer layer of the manifold exactly as pictures from Cobus explain and b) the invisible inner layer (baffle) reachable at 14mm from the outer part of the Manifold of my TOYOTA COROLLA 1.6 VVT-i 2001 . Before drilling with a screew of 25mm fitted an O-ring , for each layer I Pierced a small hole using a hot nail ( Cobus have given every single technical details). when you start the engine readjust the screw to completely eliminate the rattling manifold noise, hence the engine is swapped for brand new sound.

  119. From Kigali – Rwanda – Central Africa
    I’m very grateful with the wierd and helpful experience I withdrew from this website

  120. Tomi says:

    Greetings from Finland. Thanks a lot for your help. My 3zz-fe Corolla got a new life!

  121. Dani says:

    I’m glad I found this website. I have a Toyota Avensis t22 1.6 petrol vvti for 18 years. It had a terrible noise for the last 15 years. I visited Toyota service several times and they always said that the replacement of the timing chain kit would cost around 400 euros. They knew about the issue but they said that it could only be replaced and it could not be repaired. They advised me to turn up the radio volume so that I wouldn’t hear the noise. By 2023 the noise had become unbearable. I started to do some research and that’s how I found this website. The first attempt didn’t work but the second screw solved the problem. So thank you very much for that. I took some pictures and if you’re interested I can send them to you to help others who have an Avensis t22. I didn’t need to remove the baffle only the engine support cover. The whole operation takes about 20 minutes and it costs about 0.1 euros for the 5 screws. I had to buy five because I couldn’t buy fewer in the store 😁. Hello from Hungary

  122. Andrzej says:

    Hi. Happy to see all of those info.
    Can anybody advise me what would be the best point to use the screw on Corolla E12 1.4 2004 year? Also what would be the best length, 1.5″ ?
    I was thinking to put it just by the throttle body kinda like the last photo showed.
    I’ll take my photos as well and share them also with a procedure how I did it.
    Thank you for any help.

  123. Mikko says:

    Hi! I fixed my Corolla 2002 1,4 vvt-i engine noise today (23.7.2023) with these instructions. Followed carefully where an how to install the screw, and the first attemp fixed the noise! Thank you very much for this guide!

  124. Palo says:

    Greetings from Slovakia. I am so happy I found this website.
    I have tried it on our Corolla 1.4 petrol engine (2003) and it works excellent.
    Saved around 150 Euro.
    Engine is running now like a new. What a ride now.
    Thank you.

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