1995 Toyota Corolla Knocking/vibrations from the wheels *PL

SIMPLE.JESS

MEMBER
1995 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Hi,

I have a 1995 Toyota Corolla with 200,000+ miles. One day on my way home from work, I started getting a knocking noise with a vibration from my front end. It feels like it is coming from the axle, but I can't be sure it isn't coming from the engine.

When accelerating from a stop, the vibration and knocking noise are very prominent, and the knocking seems to coincide with the revolution of my tires. As I accelerate, the noise gets faster. Once I reach about 35 MPH, the knocking seems to even out, and is less noticeable.

I need to know where I should start looking. Could this be an engine problem, or a drive train problem?

As a woman, I've learned that if I take my car in without having an idea of what is wrong, it tends to cost me more because the mechanics think that I don't know any better and can get away with it.

PLEASE help! I'm desperate!

Thanks!
Jessi

5 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Sounds like you may have a tire that is seperating. Is the noise a "thump, thump" kinda noise? Be sure the lug nuts are tight first, dont want anything to fall off. Try having the tires rotated front to back, if it is a tire issue the front end vibration will be gone and the rear will shimmy side to side

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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 7:52 AM

SIMPLE.JESS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for the info. I did noticw today that the sound wasnt as loud as it has been, and the weather is considerably cooler. Today it sounds more like a squeaking than a thumping/knocking.

Would that make a difference?

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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 1:34 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Yes, tires generally dont squeek. Have the wheel bearings checked. Did you use the Lug wrench to check to see if the wheel was loose?

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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 3:05 PM

SIMPLE.JESS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I havent had a chance to check them yet. I will get off work in a few hours and will check them and let you know what I find.

Thanks again!

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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 4:53 PM

SQUEELY413

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I have the same problem and it is the hub bearing. This time last year it did the same thing on the left front side now its the right front side. Lastly if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the wheel it may be the cv joint. If you push on the fender from the top and rock your car and you hear a clicking noise then its definitely the ball joint. Tell me if or what if you have solved this already. Squeely413