1999 Toyota Corolla

Tiny
JACOB.ALLEN013
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 178,000 MILES
I just bought a new toyota corolla, and I got it for very cheap because of a few things. The main issues are that there is a 'bowling ball' sound in the left rear. The car also shakes badly when going over 55 mph. There also is a rattling sound in both suspensions on the left side. I am guessing the sounds are the bearings and struts. Am I correct?
Thursday, May 14th, 2009 AT 10:53 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Most likely bearings but try this:

Raise car, put on stands. Grasp tire (all 4 one at a time) and push/pull both horizontally and vertically, if any movement then possible wheel bearing, ball joint, tie rod, control arm bushing.

Check CV boots for any signs of leakage or cuts/rips in rubber boot.

It is also very possible car was in an accident, since you got it cheap. Look at undercarrage for signs of repair (welding beads, new paint, new metal, new suspension components).
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Friday, May 15th, 2009 AT 8:10 AM
Tiny
JACOB.ALLEN013
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  • 6 POSTS
Yes, I did notice the front frame is pushed in, but there are no parts that appear to be rattling against eachother and the 'bowling ball' sound is coming from the left rear, which had the least impact from the crash. So if the sounds I'm hearing are from the accident, what could be the issue?

I also checked the CV joint boots before buying the car and they are in great shape.
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Friday, May 15th, 2009 AT 10:59 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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I would take to an alignment shop and have the alignment checked.

If it won't align, then the unibody may be bent enough to cause the sound.
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Saturday, May 16th, 2009 AT 8:59 AM

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