Please Help

[1.8XLi]

*i noticed that everytime i step on the brake there are some noise i heard on the front wheels. like "tok--tok". i assumed that its from the axle but when i went to a shop the technician said that it doesnt matter with the axle unfortunately he cannot see or explain to where the problem is..so please help guys. Im afraid that im taking long drive every weekend..around 150kms distance-straight drive with an ave. speed of 120kph..maybe its a serious problem.

my car is TOYOTA COROLLA model 2002 (Middle East Edition) attached is a ref. photo..Thanks

[thespud]

Firstly, the car looks nice! Secondly, Welcome to TN! and thirdly, have you checked that the brakes arent warped? Or that the CV's are ok? These would be my first impressions...

[1.8XLi]

*Thanks for a quick reply.
*What do you mean by "warped"? of the brakes? is it about the discs? and about CV? Sorry im not so familiar with the term. Anyway today ill try to consult a brake mechanic specifically, ill try to find one.

[thespud]

When the surface of the brake disc becomes warped, this means that the surface is bumpy/"hilly" instead of being flat. This can cause the pads not to stick to the disc as well and results in a strange noise.

The Brake Mechanic will be able to tell youif your discs/pads are warped and if they need to be machined. Probably the first place to look..

The CV Joints are the Constant Velocity Joints. Unfortunaely i am not terribly mechanically minded, soi dont know exactly how they work - Someone else may be able to help me there, but i do know one of he symptoms of them going bad is a knocking sound. So I would also get them checked out...

But i would check the brakes first...

[RningOnFumes]

umm...quick test for the CV joints...


1. Roll down windows so you can listen.
2. Start drive and see if you hear any click click click increasing as you accelerate.
3. Turn a corner and accelerate into it. While turning listen for the clicking from either front corners.
4. Do some more turns in either direction to double check.

IF you felt the clicks as you turned, you may have a problem with that particular CV joint.

5. While parked turn the wheel to one side-- fully. get out and look at the boots of either side (boots covering the CV joints) Play with the steering wheel so you can have a clear view of the joints.

Look form the engine compartments and the wheel wells.
Are the boots cracked at all? (if you can reach them...feel them)

If any is true, get the car checked out for that.


Lets hope it's the brakes like Spud meantioned. While CV work isn't drastic, a brake job is cheaper.

[1.8XLi]

*I guess its aout the CV joints as what RningonFumes discussed. I tried the test indeed when i checked with the technician but dunno why i havent mention the CV case. I searched the inet about the term (http://www.carcare.org/Drivetrain/cv_joints.shtml) and 99% sure its the issue. Thanks for your help guys!! Ill do the check and repair up as quick as possible, i hope i could find an expert for this.

[thespud]

Yo'll have tolet us know how it goes!

[1.8XLi]

*i changed my Spark Plugs yesterday and at the same time i found the mechanic to solve my problems with my wheels. We made a driving test first and immediately he noticed that its not regarding the axle or any joints, its the "bearings on the left side", the parts to be changed is the "BEARING RADIAL BALL" . we spent around 2 and a half hours because there are some portion inside needs to be weld and the mechanic told me that its a chance that i brought my car in the shop early because it will damage alot if it's late. I was also happy because i charged less compared to one shop i asked before, i spent $100 for all parts and installation--not much! It feels ok now and its back to normal..