'98 Corolla VE Issues

[TRD-Corolla-TypeS]

I have several issues to discuss, otherwise I wouldn't have started a new thread.

I bought my Corolla about three weeks ago for $500 w/ 187,xxx on the odometer. I was told the alternator needed replaced, and then a new battery was put in it. I've driven it close to 1,000 miles and have not had a single issue with the electrical or ignition systems. So that was probably just a faulty battery.

Ten days ago I fueled up after work, and later that night my CEL came on. I got it diagnosed, and it threw the PO446 error code. I've read that it could be due to over-filling the tank (which I did) or having a bad seal on the gas cap (o-ring). I hope that it's just my ignorance and that I over-filled the tank.

The Corolla needed an oil change when I purchased it. The oil was almost water-thin and jet black. Before I took it in for an oil change, it was one quart low. Just buying the car, I didn't think anything of it. The night before I took it in, the engine started to sound like my fiance's '88 Camry (which has an oil leak and it quite louder) versus the usual silent purrr of the motor. After I got the oil changed 18 days ago the engine went back to the silent purrr. Not but two weeks later the engine started to once again started to sound like my fiance's Camry. I checked the oil a few hours ago after I got home, and it is showing as full after almost 800 miles.

While driving the Corolla will shake/bounce between 50-85 MPH (85 is the fastest I've had it). Now I assume that the wheels need to be balanced, but the the shaking/bouncing gets severe enough to shake the dash and steering wheel. So I wonder if, I need to replace the tie-rods/rack and pinion/hubs or other parts as well.

If I turn the wheel all the way to either side, it sounds as if it is severely rubbing. I'm not familiar with proper tire size, since the drivers door has been replaced and there is no size chart on it.

I feel that my shocks and springs are shot, because every time I hit bump (no matter the size) and also while driving down a smooth road I hear rubbing out of the back, and the tire hitting the fender-well. Once again, I don't know if tire size is to blame, or if I need to replace the shocks and springs.

When shifting into reverse, sometimes it likes to pop out of gear and grind when going into gear. I have a problem with first gear sticking (I have to force it into first half the time).

I have plans to completely go through the Corolla and rebuild/replace every last nut and bolt on the car, but before I stock-pile parts, I like to fix these issues before I do so.

Thank you in advance =]

[fishexpo101]

Wow. $500 is a decent price for an 8th gen, even with high mileage. Though it does make you wonder if the previous owner was trying to just sell the car quickly.

The P0446 - I'd reset the CEL and see if it comes back. Many of the EVAP related codes on the 8th gen can be spurious errors, not even related to the EVAP system.

Engine noise could be from a number of possible culprits. Since the noise seemed to disappear after an oil change, I'd look into getting the used oil tested. Check for excessive wear metals, coolant in oil, etc. Choice of oil filter is also important - if the car hasn't properly maintained, possible that there are heavy engine deposits/sludge inside that is clogging the oil filter quickly. Once that happens, the oil filter will go into bypass mode (ie, not filter anything), and can cause funny, rattling noises. In the mean time, keep an eye on the oil levels - checking daily before you take off for work is not excessive. At the very minimum, check weekly.

Shaking and bouncing at speed could be from a number of things. Could be a bad tire, bent wheel, bad wheel balance, poor alignment, worn hubs/bearings, loose brake components, worn suspension, worn axles, or damaged transaxle. Try rotating the tires front to rear - see if that changes the shaking. If it does, it is likely something with the tire/wheel set (balance, bad tire, bent wheel). If the shaking stays the same, then it is fixed to the chassis (brakes, suspension, hub, axle, transaxle).

OEM tire is 175/65-14, optional tire size is 185/65-14. If you rubbing, could be either wrong size tire, wrong wheel offset, or worn/damaged suspension. I'd also double check the chassis - see if a shop will put it on a jig and see if the unitbody is straight. That would rule out any accident causing some of these issues.

Same with the springs and struts - if you hit a bump and hear the car rubbing or bottoming out - could be heavily worn suspension or damaged suspension components. Measuring the static ride height is a quick and easy check. If the car is tipped down at one corner, that could indicate a broken spring. Check each corner carefully, check for tell-tale leaks on the strut assemblies - that is a sure sign of a blown strut.

As for the grinding in gear or gear popping out - I'd drain that transaxle ASAP and see if you can see any chunks/debris coming from it. Make sure to crack open the fill port first, before you drain it.

Sounds like this car is in desperate need of some care and maintenance. If this engine happens to not consume oil - chances are with just normal maintenance, you can get quite a bit of life out of it still - as everything else you mentioned is just a maintenance/care issue.

[TRD-Corolla-TypeS]

Yeah, I bought it off a close family friend. Where she got it from before it sat in her backyard for months, I do not know. What's wrong with it still doesn't add up to what it's worth. I found out what OEM tire size is. I have P205/70R14 in the front and 185/75R14 in the rear. A better part of this I can figure out once I get it over to the garage, and get it up on the lift. I just wanted a second opinion from someone whom has been around Toyota for more than a year (like myself).

Thank you for your help =] - I figured as you said, it's simple mechanical, maintenance and neglect issues.

[TRD-Corolla-TypeS]

CEL - Might just be a hiccup and fixed with a CEL reset.
Engine Noise and OIL - I check up come my next oil change. (Unless it becomes prominent before then)
Vehicle Shake/Shimmy - Will check all components when I get my wheels balanced and aligned.
Rubbing - I'll replace my tires when I have the $350 (Falken Ziex 185/65R14 Speed-Rating: H All-Season)
I'll check out the suspension when I get the wheels balanced and aligned as well.
It had the left side drivers door replaced because it was caved in, so there is a great possibility that the chassis is tweaked. Thank you for bringing that to my attention!
As for the tranny - I think it's my foot and the clutch not agreeing when it grinds, but it pops once or twice since I've had it and 1st doesn't like to engage. So I hope it all just needs new fluids.

I'll work down the list as my checking account/wallet allow me to.