Corolla 98' vibrate during idle?

[toyotafan113]

After a trip to grocery stores, my Corolla' steering wheel began vibrating as I parked and stayed in idle. The vibration goes on and stop every 10 seconds - like a cycle. Turning the A/C ON makes less usual vibration I feel than during A/C OFF mode while idle.

I checked the tires which appear without flat. No vibration was experienced during or before this grocery trip. The vibration - of steering wheels and front part of the vehicle - happens during reverse, drive, and in idle. The vibration is noticeable when I shift my gear to drive, lift my foot from brake pedal, and the steering wheel shakes. The engine ODO has 50K on it.

Few things cross my mind: 1) check engine mount, 2) check various oil & liquid levels, 3) balance & rotate the wheels (it was never done since I own this car).

2 days ago, I filled the anti-freeze/coolant tank little more than the high level mark. Was I wrong? Should I unload some liquid just to meet the high mark? Does overloading liquid cause vibration?

The car operates in FL, where it is 75-90 'F in November, and normally 65 'F or above throughout the winter.

Thank you in advance for any reply, comment, or suggestion.

[ahabion]

I think you can eliminate the tires because it started shaking while you're parked.

You might want to actually open your radiator cap (either in the morning or after it's been parked for a few hours) and check to see if you see coolant in the radiator. The fill reservoir that you filled up to high will not make your engine or car shake. It's a reservoir... Double check inside the radiator itself to see if you see coolant... if not, fill it all the way up... while doing so pump on the large tube going to the radiator a few times as you fill to get some air bubbles out. (Not the most "proper or professional way" but it'll work for now)

I'd probably do a check on the serpentine belt and pulleys associated... make sure nothing's locked up and everything is turning properly when you look into engine bay while the car is running.

Hope that helps some.

[toyotafan113]

Allow me to quote this: "Double check inside the radiator itself to see if you see coolant... if not, fill it all the way up... while doing so pump on the large tube going to the radiator a few times as you fill to get some air bubbles out."

Does this mean I can pour 50/50 anti-freeze/coolant (I call it the cool red wine) with distilled water solution into that silver-center-yellow-stickered cap? I thought I was to put the mixture in the white upright tank with hose attached to it. I understand the unprofessional method, but what works is what I consider professional.

Since the incident, 2 days ago, I have replaced the spark plugs. The engine no longer vibrates during idle. When pulling the spark plugs, I saw much gooey brown coffee-color liquids smudging the spark plug and the cylinder tubes themselves. I cleaned the plug holes with alcohol and cotton rag, and did not pour any alcohol in it. However, is this buildup of brown gooey normal?

I fear the car was never serviced since Jan 1998, and I believe I am the first person servicing this car - ever.

I just came back from church on Sunday morning. I checked the price of Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus 20oz at a local Chevron gas station: ~$16 with tax. Will 2 fills of these help my used Corolla to run smoother? Does Walmart carry the exact product as Chevron gas station at a cheaper price?

Thank you again, and I mean with a firm cyber-handshake, for your help and this TN community.

[ahabion]

That would be correct. Fill up the radiator with 50/50 coolant.

If you really want a good DIY step on professional filling check out this guy on youtube.com... just learned about him and I think he's great and full of good, solid information.

You Tube

You Tube

With you pulling your spark plugs out and having the gooey stuff on it, make sure you change out the oil and take a look at the old oil... sounds like you may have coolant in your oil. Unless the oil was just never ever changed... but even then, oil would come out black and not brown.... the brown tells me that the coolant made its way in the engine oil some how, which would then be a much larger problem OR possibly a bad water pump.

Can someone else confirm? (i'm no pro but this is just off the top of my head...)