Suspensopn Assistance

[dblhelx]

Ok, my wifes 2005 Corolla has 105K miles on it. I do all the maintenance...regular oil changes with Mobil 1 synthetic, tune ups, brakes, etc etc. Some minor roblems are starting to pop up so it's time to put my Jeep and motorcycle aside and spend a weekend on the car giving it some TLC.

1) We feel every single solitary LITTLE bump in this car. Every little bump makes the car rattle and you'd think we were riding over large rocks...lol. Years ago this started to happen on our 1999 Corolla and I changed the struts only. I don't remembver if this solved the issue back then. Should I replace the struts to make the ride smoother? The Springs? Or both?

2) Car shakes VERY minimally when riding, maybe just the balance of the wheels. BUT...when I apply the brakes, the car shakes and the steering wheel shakes. I assume it's time for new rotors (warping) and pads. Any other reason this may be shaking when we apply the brake pedal? Usually it's the rotors are warped, but you folks really seem to know these cars well...other suggestions?

3) This next one will be tough to solve, hard to explain. Randomly...completely randonm...driving, coming to a stop, sitting at a light....the car makes a muffled moan...sounds like a whale talking. lol. Quick moan.....not a belt squeal by no means....sorta higher pitched. I have NO Idea how to explain this...might be a lost cause on this one.


Long post, I know. But if you all could spend a few minutes typing in some input I'd greatly appreciate it. I need to do all this myself. Cash is tight..son in Iraq and he's the better mechanic than I am....wife outta work.

Thanks! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

[PhatRoyale]

1). No need to replace the springs, just the struts (KYB GR-2 are recommended) and the strut tops, insulators, dust seals and spring bumpers should suffice. Look into getting an alignment about a week afterwards.

2). Try rotating and have the tires balanced. See if it solves the problem, then look into getting the rotors done if it doesn't.

3). My guess is the engine mounts or the catalytic converter head shield. But without seeing or hearing it myself, it would be hard to diagnose.

[JasonA]

What kind of tires are they exactly (like brand and model type)? The tires may be playing a part in the rough ride.

[dblhelx]

The tires are Yokohama YK520.

As far as the strut stuff....I've bought struts, installed them, but the little stuff like strut tops, dust seals and insulators......is that precisely what I ask for at the autoparts store Or is there a more official set of part names to use?

At well over 100K, they must be due to be changed out anyways.

Thanks!

[PhatRoyale]

They might be listed under a different name in the auto parts store than the dealership, but you would know the difference since you're able to recognize the parts.


This is coming from the factory service manual for the front suspension:
-Strut tops = suspension supports
-dust seals
-upper and lower insulators
-bump stops = spring bumpers
-dust boots are also oddly called spring bumpers (but you'll be able to tell the difference anyways)

As for the rear suspension, I'm not too sure since the 9th gen Corolla uses a different suspension design with the torsion beam setup. Maybe somebody else can chime in. I own a 7th gen myself.

I would consult a Haynes manual or factory service manual if you have one on hand, or go to the dealership and ask the parts counter guy for a complete printout diagram outlining all the front and rear suspension components.

[Adama]

Go to www dot 9th gen corolla.com/forum//showthread.php?t=34798 (remove the spaces) and click on the 2004 Corolla Repair Manual. This is the Factory Service Manual and you can download it. You should be able to find the info that you want as the suspension is the same.

[JasonA]

Originally Posted by dblhelx

The tires are Yokohama YK520.

I think your tires may be at least half of your issue. Those are H-rated tires if I'm not mistaken, available only through Discount Tire. I have a similar tire, the Yokohama Avid TRZ, though the Avid TRZ is a T-rated tire (which is less than an H-rating). Although the Avid TRZs ride okay, they're rather firm tires, and as they've worn in some, they're not getting any softer. And my tires only have maybe 6,000 miles on them. If yours have more miles, and knowing that they're H-rated (which will mean they're built firmer and stronger in general), I'd say that they could be part of the problem. If new struts don't fix it, I'd consider a different set of rubber.

[gideon1331]

My 2005 does #3 all the time. I assume its the electronic throttle closing. Most people can't hear it but I inherited a rather sensitive set of ears. The only time it's loud enough for others the hear it is when I'm coming to a stop and the car is quiet enough, but I hear it every single time I take my foot off the gas. Your description of a high-pitched whale moan...I couldn't think of a better way to put it.

It hasn't gotten any worse in the 20,000 miles I've had the car, and there is no indication that the throttle is sticking so I'm not worried about it.

My car is also in dire need of a tire balance/alignment. Does your shake occur mostly through the brake pedal, or does the wheel shake more (unless you're stopping really quick)? If its the latter, I'd bet on a balance/alignment issue.

[JasonA]

Regarding #3, I can only hear it if the engine is off, but the ignition is on and I work the gas pedal. I can hear the stepper motor working. To the original poster, if you turn the engine off, but have the ignition on, work the gas pedal from idle to full throttle and back a few times. Can you hear the electronic throttle moving open and closed?

[dblhelx]

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and spent the morning in my garage...fresh oil, cleaned the throttle body well, and put on new rotors and pads. Brakes perfectly now.

I'll try the suggestion with the ignition off, work the gas pedal and see if i hear that subtle "whale moan." lol

Ever since I had those Yokohama tires I took it back to Discount Tires 3 times because it shook at freeway speeds...subtly, but CERTAINLY not normal. And they weren't cheap tires.

I looked and the car has 133,000 miles on it so it's a VERY good chance I need struts anyways. I'll do those in the upcoming weeks. Can't hurt.

[impulseRED]

i use good year assurance triple treds and they work fine at all speeds and i feel like im on rails with them....... i got them at a good year dealership for $500 total ; tires labor diposal. i have only had them a few thousand miles but so far, i dont think ill ever change to a different tire. the only thing i had to get used to is the grip those tires could dish out lol

rain sleet or snow! you can throw it at me but my rolla will keep on rollin