2000 Corolla swaying - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jjgms · 02-27-2011, 11:06 AM

Bought a 2000 Corolla in 2002 from a Toyota dealer. It had about 30,000 original miles. It now has 88,000 miles. We've done all the required maintainence. Over past year it has developed the sensation of swaying when driving. It stays straight on the road, but it feels like it sways, esp. going over hills or turning. We were gonna sell it, so had a "100 point used car checkup" by a different dealer, and they said everything checked out fine. But it still feels like it sways. We've decided to keep it (my son needs a car) but I'd like to get this fixed. New tires and alignment didnt help. I'm told the struts and shocks are "still good". This is frustrating. Any ideas? Thanks

FinalGear · 02-27-2011, 01:30 PM

jjgms...

I would check out the front and rear sway bar mounts and rubber cushion. See if there any wear/tear

Checking the engine mount wouldn't hurt either

Bitter · 02-27-2011, 02:57 PM

sounds like worn struts to me.

landphil · 02-27-2011, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitter

sounds like worn struts to me.

X2, just because the struts are not leaking or the car doesn't bounce endlessly when you push down on that corner, that does not mean all is well with the struts. The internal valves and pistons do wear over time, and driving the car is really the only way to tell. I just ordered a set of tokico struts for the same reason - for the wifes '01 with 230Kms.

pyromonkey333 · 02-27-2011, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitter

sounds like worn struts to me.

agreed, i killed my OEM struts @ 64,000 miles and my car (2001) has been in my family since 2002.

Just be careful if change out the struts, spring compressors are scary

jjgms · 02-28-2011, 07:49 AM

Thanks. I'm gonna have the struts replaced and have the mechanic just check the sway bar and tie rod (?). I'm no mechanic or mechanically inclined so I'll leave it up to him

jjgms · 03-04-2011, 07:14 AM

Got all 4 struts replaced. MUCH better. very stable now, but was pretty pricey ($800.00) but I feel its worth it. I think my kid will be albel to get another 88,000 out ot it. BTW, no rust anywhere yet!

landphil · 03-05-2011, 11:33 AM

Good to hear it's better, and that our cyber-diagnosis was correct

, especially for $800 - but, you can't really put a price tag on safety.