2002 - Vibrating

[porschpow]

Hello, First time on here. I am trying to help out my mom. She has a 2002 Toyota Corolla (stock) with 146990 miles on her.

When you take her on the highway above 60 miles an hour there is a persistent vibration going on. Don't know where it could be coming from.

What has been done to her:

Wheels have Been balanced
Ball joints changed
Drivers side CV has been changed
had an alignment done

The vibration has went away a little bit but it is still there. Have no clue what to do next.

I was going to change the passenger side cv shaft, but that's time and money that I am limited on.

Any Ideas guys?

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Wheels have Been balanced
Ball joints changed
Drivers side CV has been changed
had an alignment done

Were these repairs made because they needed to be completed, or just guessing it might rectify the vibration problem?

Where is the vibration felt; in the steering wheel or in the seats/floor?

 

[porschpow]

both, probably didn't have to do ball joints, but i noticed there was a little play when I grabbed and shook the driver side cv shaft.

vibration used to be felt on the wheel... A LOT. but after the repairs, it got a lot better. Still feel the vibration on the floor

 

[porschpow]

bump

 

[porschpow]

A whole lot of shaking going on

This is just an update. I still have the vibration Any ideas what could be wrong

 

[AZ Pete]

I changed the struts on my Granddaughters 2000 Corolla, that fixed a similar vibration. Later we replaced both drive shaft assemblies, and that got rid of the grumble. The vibration was from the worn out struts though. You will have to realign the wheels after replacing the struts though, so might as well do all 4.

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Unless the struts are loose and are not bolted down, they will not cause a vibration as they don't spin.

For a vibration to be occurring it has to be something that is spinning that is out of balance or bent.

 

[AZ Pete]

Unless the struts are loose and are not bolted down, they will not cause a vibration as they don't spin.

For a vibration to be occurring it has to be something that is spinning that is out of balance or bent.

What they will do is let the tire (or tires) bounce up and down at a rapid rate, which to some will be interpreted at vibration. Watch a car with a bad shock go down the highway and you will see a very rapid bounce.

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Yes, but that's bouncing, not a vibration.

 

[porschpow]

So this bouncing could be from a bad strut?

 

[AZ Pete]

I think so. I expect with the mileage that you have, it would help if not eliminate the problem. This is assuming that you have balanced your tires, and rotated them to assure that there is not a problem there (or a bent wheel). My granddaughter's struts were shot, though, when I changed them out, and there was a vast improvement in the way her car handled, and how much bounce (vibration) that was felt from the passenger compartment.

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

So this bouncing could be from a bad strut?

If the tire/wheel is bouncing around excessively, yes. However if what you are experiencing instead is a vibration in the steering wheel or in the seat of your pants, that is entirely different and unrelated to MacPherson struts.

 

[porschpow]

So it seems the general consesnsus is to change the struts, Whats a good/cheap kind and how hard is it to do?

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

No. Changing the struts wont solve a vibration problem at all.

 

[porschpow]

I am sorry, I don't have the bouncing issue, just the vibrating. So what could be the culprit if not the struts?

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Something that is spinning as the car is rolling down the road, i.e. tires, wheels, or something in the drivetrain.

To diagnose, when the vibration occurs and with no other cars around you, put the car into Neutral and coast. If the vibration continues, the source has to be a tire or wheel. If the vibration goes away it's in the drivetrain, engine/transmission.

 

[porschpow]

Ok, i guess this is not a common problem with these cars.

I installed new ball joints, wheel alignments, drivers side cv shaft (which by the makes a clicking noise when I turn hard left, WTF!?!?!?)

So I am assuming then its the transmission or passenger side shaft

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Did you try the diagnosis test I suggested?

 

[porschpow]

i haven't driven the car in a while (because of this problem) but from what I can remember, it has nothin to do with the wheels, I'll double check though

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Try the diagnosis test I suggested and it will greatly help pinpoint the problem.

-- B.F. Goodrich T/A Certified Tire Specialist

 

[porschpow]

I tried your test, def wheels, suspected wheels not balanced. I took it to a shop, I balanced all 4, now I can drive 70-80 no problem!! Thanks guys

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

My pleasure. Glad to be of help. I'm happy you were able to pinpoint the problem.

I thought you had mentioned the tires were already balanced though?

 

[porschpow]

YES, took it to a shop, and they said they did, either their machine wasn't calibrated or they conned my dad

 

[Daniel Owusu]

My Toyota car engine is vibrating unnecessarily after changing the fuel pump. Mechenics have checked but to no avail. Pease help.

 

[Daniel Owusu]

when I accelerates it makes unusual sound kakakakak in the engine. Pls help

 

[Donabed Kopoian]

Does it get worse or better when braking?

If it gets worse, your rotors need to be turned/pads replaced and you have a sticking caliper.