Wrapper

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:1f798$44d3acf8$44a4a10d$23690@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=blue]
>
> "Wickeddoll" <wickeddoll1958noeffingspam@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:eavrhk.3ck.1@news.evilcabal.org...[color=green]
>>[color=darkred]
>>>>>> Lately, my Echo has been making a wumpa-wumpa sound at higher speeds.
>>>>>> I thought it might have been the one tire that I know is bent (They
>>>>>> said it didn't need immediate replacement), but it seems to be
>>>>>> getting louder. Could it be the compressor, since my A/C is on full
>>>>>> blast most of the time? Or is it probably something costly. That
>>>>>> 2000 car still has its original exhaust system, so I thought that
>>>>>> might be it as well. Toyotas are great, but their exhaust often
>>>>>> sucks. Gas mileage is still pretty damned good (31 mpg city despite
>>>>>> the full speed A/C).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Your thoughts?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> :-)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Natalie, bracing herself.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Without hearing the sound, it is difficult to determine the source,
>>>>> but cars generally make wumpa-wumpa sounds for several. Possible
>>>>> causes are a broken belt in a tire, bent wheel, bad wheel bearing, bad
>>>>> constant velocity (CV) joint. The sound will always be related to
>>>>> vehicle speed rather than engine speed if one of those are the cause.
>>>>> If the wumpa-wumpa sound is coming from the car while it is sitting
>>>>> still, check the back seat.
>>>>>
>>>>> Check the tire for any unusual lumps or bulges because a blow that is
>>>>> hard enough to bend the wheel can easily breaks an internal belt in
>>>>> the tire. If the sound is getting louder, the internal tire damage may
>>>>> be getting worse and is very dangerous because it can blow out. A
>>>>> broken belt is often but not always detectable visually. The easiest
>>>>> way to check whether the tire or the wheel is the cause of the sound
>>>>> is to mount the spare and see if it goes away.
>>>>>
>>>>> Whatever bent the tire could also have bent the tie rod that connects
>>>>> the steering rack to the front wheels, bent a control arm, damaged the
>>>>> axle or CV joint.
>>>>>
>>>>> An failing AC compressor will generally make a whining and groaning
>>>>> sound, not a wumpa-wumpa sound (ducking for the fwap), and using the
>>>>> AC tends to prolong its life rather than shorten it because the oil
>>>>> that is mixed with the refrigerant keeps things lubed better and keeps
>>>>> seals from drying out.
>>>>>
>>>>> A failing exhaust system just sounds loud and the sound is related to
>>>>> engine speed, not vehicle speed.
>>>>>
>>>>> So, bottom line, try the spare and see if it goes away. If it does,
>>>>> do not re-mount the bad tire/wheel until you can get a replacement.
>>>>>
>>>>> Good luck!
>>>>> --
>>>>>
>>>>> Ray O
>>>> Ah, thanks!
>>>>
>>>> I'll take it in tomorrow - you've effectively scared the crap outta
>>>> me...
>>>>
>>>> Natalie
>>>
>>> Also, look for uneven or unusual tire wear because the car probably
>>> needs an alignment after the wheel strike.
>>>
>>> Good luck!
>>> --[/color]
>>
>> Bad bearings - need replacement at $500!
>>
>> *sigh* so much for the extra income from my second job...
>>
>> Natalie
>>[/color]
>
> If you get service department mailers from your local Toyota dealer, look
> for a "customer's choice" xx% off any job. On a bigger job, that can add
> up.
>
> That sounds a little high for wheel bearings, - crying sometimes helps to
> get the price down ;-)
> --
>
> Ray O[/color]

They say it's all the bearings and something about 'pressure mount' - Greek
to me.

Bend over!

Natalie