2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration

On Feb 19, 3:44 pm, mrsteveo <mrste....RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Feb 19, 3:01 pm, "Ph@Boy" <u....RemoveThis@example.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> > mrsteveo wrote:
> > > Hi all,
>
> > > I have a 2002 Corolla w/ 147,000 miles.  I've recently encountered a
> > > vibration that wasn't too bad and thought it was something in the
> > > vehicle.  Although today, it seems it's a lot worse which might make
> > > sense as I got back from a 3 hour drive last night..
>
> > > Anyway, I know it's hard to diagnose sound without hearing it so I
> > > won't ask you to do that.  What I can tell you is it appears that the
> > > radiator is loose somewhere and that is allowing it to vibrate -- very
> > > annoying.
>
> > > I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound started and it
> > > appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me to believe that
> > > the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever are loose/broken.
>
> > > Does this sound plausible?
>
> > > What actually holds the radiator in place?  It shouldn't really move
> > > back and forth, should it?  It's not loose loose.. but it does freely
> > > wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>
> > > I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify what I found and
> > > hopefully fix it.
>
> > > I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is made out of --
> > > as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy streets are the
> > > norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious bump would be
> > > enough to possibly crack a support, especially if it's just made out
> > > of plastic or something.
>
> > > Thanks for insight,
>
> > > Steve
>
> > Radiators are usually just setting in the lower radiator support in two
> > rubber radiator mounts and held at the top by two bolts (one on each
> > side of the radiator) threaded into the upper radiator support.
>
> > The supports are generally made out of metal and are part of the body
> > structure.
>
> > You did not mention where your girlfriend was holding the radiator to
> > make the noise stop but you may want to check the two top bolts I
> > mentioned earlier to see if they are tight.
>
> Now that you mention it, I will check again.  She was holding the top
> left if you're facing the car.  It seems both sides are loose though.
>
> I bet that's likely it -- I will double check and find out!

OK, so I checked this. The bolts are on very tight which is good.

The bolts hold on this metal piece which extends out a few inches and
has a rubber dealy which rests on top of the radiator. It seems this
rubber piece is in decent condition but perhaps it should be a bit
thicker? Not sure. Can't tighten anything more than it is yet the
radiator still wiggles around. Perhaps that's not the issue but it
seemed to stop the noises I heard when someone held the radiator
steady so who knows...

I'll have it checked out.
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

On Feb 19, 4:13 pm, mrsteveo <mrste... DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote:
> On Feb 19, 3:44 pm, mrsteveo <mrste... DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Feb 19, 3:01 pm, "Ph@Boy" <u... DeleteThis @example.net> wrote:
>
> > > mrsteveo wrote:
> > > > Hi all,
>
> > > > I have a 2002 Corolla w/ 147,000 miles.  I've recently encountered a
> > > > vibration that wasn't too bad and thought it was something in the
> > > > vehicle.  Although today, it seems it's a lot worse which might make
> > > > sense as I got back from a 3 hour drive last night..
>
> > > > Anyway, I know it's hard to diagnose sound without hearing it so I
> > > > won't ask you to do that.  What I can tell you is it appears that the
> > > > radiator is loose somewhere and that is allowing it to vibrate -- very
> > > > annoying.
>
> > > > I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound started and it
> > > > appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me to believe that
> > > > the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever are loose/broken..
>
> > > > Does this sound plausible?
>
> > > > What actually holds the radiator in place?  It shouldn't really move
> > > > back and forth, should it?  It's not loose loose.. but it does freely
> > > > wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>
> > > > I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify what I found and
> > > > hopefully fix it.
>
> > > > I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is made out of --
> > > > as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy streets are the
> > > > norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious bump would be
> > > > enough to possibly crack a support, especially if it's just made out
> > > > of plastic or something.
>
> > > > Thanks for insight,
>
> > > > Steve
>
> > > Radiators are usually just setting in the lower radiator support in two
> > > rubber radiator mounts and held at the top by two bolts (one on each
> > > side of the radiator) threaded into the upper radiator support.
>
> > > The supports are generally made out of metal and are part of the body
> > > structure.
>
> > > You did not mention where your girlfriend was holding the radiator to
> > > make the noise stop but you may want to check the two top bolts I
> > > mentioned earlier to see if they are tight.
>
> > Now that you mention it, I will check again.  She was holding the top
> > left if you're facing the car.  It seems both sides are loose though.
>
> > I bet that's likely it -- I will double check and find out!
>
> OK, so I checked this.  The bolts are on very tight which is good.
>
> The bolts hold on this metal piece which extends out a few inches and
> has a rubber dealy which rests on top of the radiator.  It seems this
> rubber piece is in decent condition but perhaps it should be a bit
> thicker?  Not sure.  Can't tighten anything more than it is yet the
> radiator still wiggles around.  Perhaps that's not the issue but it
> seemed to stop the noises I heard when someone held the radiator
> steady so who knows...
>
> I'll have it checked out.

So I went to the dealer and of course, like clock work, couldn't
reproduce the issue.

Of course, the dealer was hesitant to want to GET inside my car -- and
prior to him getting inside he shook the radiator quite a bit just for
the hell of it. I guess he was testing the play of the upper radiator
bracket assembly.

Anyway, the sound seems gone now that he did that. Makes me wonder if
a rock was lodged somewhere or perhaps hitting a pothole just right
made the radiator slightly out of some bracket. Who knows?

I do still believe there is a little too much play with the upper
bracket assembly mounts. They seem somewhat OK but you can clearly
see the right side is a little more flush than the left. The bracket
assembly is like $27 so thinking of just replacing for the hell of it
and hopefully that totally solves whatever it is.
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

mrsteveo wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I have a 2002 Corolla w/ 147,000 miles. I've recently encountered a
> vibration that wasn't too bad and thought it was something in the
> vehicle. Although today, it seems it's a lot worse which might make
> sense as I got back from a 3 hour drive last night..
>
> Anyway, I know it's hard to diagnose sound without hearing it so I
> won't ask you to do that. What I can tell you is it appears that the
> radiator is loose somewhere and that is allowing it to vibrate -- very
> annoying.
>
> I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound started and it
> appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me to believe that
> the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever are loose/broken.
>
> Does this sound plausible?
>
> What actually holds the radiator in place? It shouldn't really move
> back and forth, should it? It's not loose loose.. but it does freely
> wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>
> I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify what I found and
> hopefully fix it.
>
> I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is made out of --
> as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy streets are the
> norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious bump would be
> enough to possibly crack a support, especially if it's just made out
> of plastic or something.
>
> Thanks for insight,
>
> Steve
Radiators are usually just setting in the lower radiator support in two
rubber radiator mounts and held at the top by two bolts (one on each
side of the radiator) threaded into the upper radiator support.

The supports are generally made out of metal and are part of the body
structure.

You did not mention where your girlfriend was holding the radiator to
make the noise stop but you may want to check the two top bolts I
mentioned earlier to see if they are tight.
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

"mrsteveo" <mrsteveo.TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:57c41eee-4109-42bc-9766-768608489b55@i7g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
On Feb 19, 4:13 pm, mrsteveo <mrste....TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Feb 19, 3:44 pm, mrsteveo <mrste....TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Feb 19, 3:01 pm, "Ph@Boy" <u....TakeThisOut@example.net> wrote:
>
> > > mrsteveo wrote:
> > > > Hi all,
>
> > > > I have a 2002 Corolla w/ 147,000 miles. I've recently encountered a
> > > > vibration that wasn't too bad and thought it was something in the
> > > > vehicle. Although today, it seems it's a lot worse which might make
> > > > sense as I got back from a 3 hour drive last night..
>
> > > > Anyway, I know it's hard to diagnose sound without hearing it so I
> > > > won't ask you to do that. What I can tell you is it appears that the
> > > > radiator is loose somewhere and that is allowing it to vibrate --
> > > > very
> > > > annoying.
>
> > > > I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound started and it
> > > > appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me to believe
> > > > that
> > > > the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever are
> > > > loose/broken.
>
> > > > Does this sound plausible?
>
> > > > What actually holds the radiator in place? It shouldn't really move
> > > > back and forth, should it? It's not loose loose.. but it does freely
> > > > wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>
> > > > I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify what I found and
> > > > hopefully fix it.
>
> > > > I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is made out
> > > > of --
> > > > as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy streets are the
> > > > norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious bump would be
> > > > enough to possibly crack a support, especially if it's just made out
> > > > of plastic or something.
>
> > > > Thanks for insight,
>
> > > > Steve
>
> > > Radiators are usually just setting in the lower radiator support in
> > > two
> > > rubber radiator mounts and held at the top by two bolts (one on each
> > > side of the radiator) threaded into the upper radiator support.
>
> > > The supports are generally made out of metal and are part of the body
> > > structure.
>
> > > You did not mention where your girlfriend was holding the radiator to
> > > make the noise stop but you may want to check the two top bolts I
> > > mentioned earlier to see if they are tight.
>
> > Now that you mention it, I will check again. She was holding the top
> > left if you're facing the car. It seems both sides are loose though.
>
> > I bet that's likely it -- I will double check and find out!
>
> OK, so I checked this. The bolts are on very tight which is good.
>
> The bolts hold on this metal piece which extends out a few inches and
> has a rubber dealy which rests on top of the radiator. It seems this
> rubber piece is in decent condition but perhaps it should be a bit
> thicker? Not sure. Can't tighten anything more than it is yet the
> radiator still wiggles around. Perhaps that's not the issue but it
> seemed to stop the noises I heard when someone held the radiator
> steady so who knows...
>
> I'll have it checked out.

So I went to the dealer and of course, like clock work, couldn't
reproduce the issue.

Of course, the dealer was hesitant to want to GET inside my car -- and
prior to him getting inside he shook the radiator quite a bit just for
the hell of it. I guess he was testing the play of the upper radiator
bracket assembly.

Anyway, the sound seems gone now that he did that. Makes me wonder if
a rock was lodged somewhere or perhaps hitting a pothole just right
made the radiator slightly out of some bracket. Who knows?

I do still believe there is a little too much play with the upper
bracket assembly mounts. They seem somewhat OK but you can clearly
see the right side is a little more flush than the left. The bracket
assembly is like $27 so thinking of just replacing for the hell of it
and hopefully that totally solves whatever it is.

****************
I doubt if replacing the radiator bracket will make the noise go away. The
radiator is mounted with rubber isolators so that the radiator is not
damaged. With the engine off, check to make sure that the electric fan
shroud is not loose. You may just be hearing the electric fans kicking in.
With the engine off, check the condition of the fan blades to make sure none
are warped.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

"mrsteveo" <mrsteveo DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
news:470ce577-0216-4b0d-9101-7c43a848cc60@e6g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I have a 2002 Corolla w/ 147,000 miles. I've recently encountered a
> vibration that wasn't too bad and thought it was something in the
> vehicle. Although today, it seems it's a lot worse which might make
> sense as I got back from a 3 hour drive last night..
>
> Anyway, I know it's hard to diagnose sound without hearing it so I
> won't ask you to do that. What I can tell you is it appears that the
> radiator is loose somewhere and that is allowing it to vibrate -- very
> annoying.
>
> I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound started and it
> appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me to believe that
> the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever are loose/broken.

Hah! In reality, she had her nether parts pushed against the rad, the better
to achieve an orgasm....FINALLY.


>
> Does this sound plausible?
>
> What actually holds the radiator in place? It shouldn't really move
> back and forth, should it? It's not loose loose.. but it does freely
> wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>
> I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify what I found and
> hopefully fix it.
>
> I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is made out of --
> as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy streets are the
> norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious bump would be
> enough to possibly crack a support, especially if it's just made out
> of plastic or something.
>
> Thanks for insight,
>
> Steve
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

On Feb 19, 9:06 pm, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
> "mrsteveo" <mrste... RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:57c41eee-4109-42bc-9766-768608489b55@i7g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> On Feb 19, 4:13 pm, mrsteveo <mrste... RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Feb 19, 3:44 pm, mrsteveo <mrste... RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Feb 19, 3:01 pm, "Ph@Boy" <u... RemoveThis @example.net> wrote:
>
> > > > mrsteveo wrote:
> > > > > Hi all,
>
> > > > > I have a 2002 Corolla w/ 147,000 miles. I've recently encountered a
> > > > > vibration that wasn't too bad and thought it was something in the
> > > > > vehicle. Although today, it seems it's a lot worse which might make
> > > > > sense as I got back from a 3 hour drive last night..
>
> > > > > Anyway, I know it's hard to diagnose sound without hearing it so I
> > > > > won't ask you to do that. What I can tell you is it appears that the
> > > > > radiator is loose somewhere and that is allowing it to vibrate --  
> > > > > very
> > > > > annoying.
>
> > > > > I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound started and it
> > > > > appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me to believe
> > > > > that
> > > > > the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever are
> > > > > loose/broken.
>
> > > > > Does this sound plausible?
>
> > > > > What actually holds the radiator in place? It shouldn't really move
> > > > > back and forth, should it? It's not loose loose.. but it does freely
> > > > > wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>
> > > > > I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify what I found and
> > > > > hopefully fix it.
>
> > > > > I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is made out
> > > > > of --
> > > > > as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy streets are the
> > > > > norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious bump would be
> > > > > enough to possibly crack a support, especially if it's just made out
> > > > > of plastic or something.
>
> > > > > Thanks for insight,
>
> > > > > Steve
>
> > > > Radiators are usually just setting in the lower radiator support in
> > > > two
> > > > rubber radiator mounts and held at the top by two bolts (one on each
> > > > side of the radiator) threaded into the upper radiator support.
>
> > > > The supports are generally made out of metal and are part of the body
> > > > structure.
>
> > > > You did not mention where your girlfriend was holding the radiator to
> > > > make the noise stop but you may want to check the two top bolts I
> > > > mentioned earlier to see if they are tight.
>
> > > Now that you mention it, I will check again. She was holding the top
> > > left if you're facing the car. It seems both sides are loose though.
>
> > > I bet that's likely it -- I will double check and find out!
>
> > OK, so I checked this. The bolts are on very tight which is good.
>
> > The bolts hold on this metal piece which extends out a few inches and
> > has a rubber dealy which rests on top of the radiator. It seems this
> > rubber piece is in decent condition but perhaps it should be a bit
> > thicker? Not sure. Can't tighten anything more than it is yet the
> > radiator still wiggles around. Perhaps that's not the issue but it
> > seemed to stop the noises I heard when someone held the radiator
> > steady so who knows...
>
> > I'll have it checked out.
>
> So I went to the dealer and of course, like clock work, couldn't
> reproduce the issue.
>
> Of course, the dealer was hesitant to want to GET inside my car -- and
> prior to him getting inside he shook the radiator quite a bit just for
> the hell of it.  I guess he was testing the play of the upper radiator
> bracket assembly.
>
> Anyway, the sound seems gone now that he did that.  Makes me wonder if
> a rock was lodged somewhere or perhaps hitting a pothole just right
> made the radiator slightly out of some bracket.  Who knows?
>
> I do still believe there is a little too much play with the upper
> bracket assembly mounts.  They seem somewhat OK but you can clearly
> see the right side is a little more flush than the left.  The bracket
> assembly is like $27 so thinking of just replacing for the hell of it
> and hopefully that totally solves whatever it is.
>
> ****************
> I doubt if replacing the radiator bracket will make the noise go away.  The
> radiator is mounted with rubber isolators so that the radiator is not
> damaged.  With the engine off, check to make sure that the electric fan
> shroud is not loose.  You may just be hearing the electric fans kicking in.
> With the engine off, check the condition of the fan blades to make sure none
> are warped.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)

It's not the electric fans as this sound happens when they're OFF
too. Honestly, I have tried to listen for it and for the life of me
cannot pinpoint where it's coming from.

It makes the sound whether I drive or not. It's not ALWAYS there;
it's intermittent. It may make the sound driving but with the road
noise I cannot hear it. It also makes the sound in any gear, even
park.

What I do notice is when in PARK, the idle changes and it's very
low... which obviously would reduce vibrations and that seems to be
when the noise is intermittent to gone. Reverse and Drive seem to
have the noise but almost positive it is NOT the transmission making
the noise -- it's more caused by being in gear is causing the wheels
to move in some direction.

I drove to the store and put the pedal to the floor and the car had
great response and went -- so whatever the noise is, it's not causing
power loss that I can see.

My mileage seems to be the same.

I don't think it's a timing chain noise... almost sure of that. I had
the tensioner pulley replaced a little over a year ago and it's not a
tensioner pulley sound.

I'm almost inclined to think it's maybe some rattling/loose piping
underneath the car that is silent outside of the car, but inside the
car would make some really funky sounds.

That's all I can think of. I've tried EVERYTHING to find this noise/
vibration and for the life of me cannot seem to pinpoint it. I don't
think it's a critical thing but I need to find it before I go nuts.

I was thinking of taking a stethoscope to the engine compartment as I
can faintly hear it from there but it could just as easily be piping
underneath maybe. It's VERY hard to hear OUTSIDE of the car and very
easy to hear INSIDE the car.

I have removed everything from inside the car to make sure it's not
something in the glove compartment, trunk, or console... that didn't
help.

Very very bizarre...
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

On Feb 21, 11:26 am, doncee <nopsamdbc9....RemoveThis@nospamswbell.wanted> wrote:
> >> > > > > I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound
> started
> >> > > > > and
> > it
> >> > > > > appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me
> to
> >> > > > > believe that
> >> > > > > the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever
> are
> >> > > > > loose/broken.
>
> >> > > > > Does this sound plausible?
>
> >> > > > > What actually holds the radiator in place? It
> shouldn't
> >> > > > > really mov
> > e
> >> > > > > back and forth, should it? It's not loose loose.. but
> it does
> >> > > > > free
> > ly
> >> > > > > wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>
> >> > > > > I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify
> what I
> >> > > > > found a
> > nd
> >> > > > > hopefully fix it.
>
> >> > > > > I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is
> made
> >> > > > > out of --
> >> > > > > as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy
> streets
> >> > > > > are t
> > he
> >> > > > > norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious
> bump
> >> > > > > would be enough to possibly crack a support,
> especially if
> >> > > > > it's just made o
> > ut
> >> > > > > of plastic or something.
>
> >> > > > > Thanks for insight,
>
> >> > > > > Steve
>
> >> > > > Radiators are usually just setting in the lower radiator
> >> > > > support in two
> >> > > > rubber radiator mounts and held at the top by two bolts
> (one on
> >> > > > each
>
> >> > > > side of the radiator) threaded into the upper radiator
> support.
>
> >> > > > The supports are generally made out of metal and are
> part of
> >> > > > the bod
> > y
> >> > > > structure.
>
> >> > > > You did not mention where your girlfriend was holding
> the
> >> > > > radiator t
> > o
> >> > > > make the noise stop but you may want to check the two
> top bolts
> >> > > > I mentioned earlier to see if they are tight.
>
> >> > > Now that you mention it, I will check again. She was
> holding the
> >> > > top left if you're facing the car. It seems both sides are
> loose
> >> > > though.
>
> >> > > I bet that's likely it -- I will double check and find
> out!
>
> >> > OK, so I checked this. The bolts are on very tight which is
> good.
>
> >> > The bolts hold on this metal piece which extends out a few
> inches
> >> > and has a rubber dealy which rests on top of the radiator.
> It seems
> >> > this rubber piece is in decent condition but perhaps it
> should be a
> >> > bit thicker? Not sure. Can't tighten anything more than it
> is yet
> >> > the radiator still wiggles around. Perhaps that's not the
> issue but
> >> > it seemed to stop the noises I heard when someone held the
> radiator
> >> > steady so who knows...
>
> >> > I'll have it checked out.
>
> >> So I went to the dealer and of course, like clock work,
> couldn't
> >> reproduce the issue.
>
> >> Of course, the dealer was hesitant to want to GET inside my
> car --
> >> and prior to him getting inside he shook the radiator quite a
> bit
> >> just for the hell of it.  I guess he was testing the play of
> the
> >> upper radiator bracket assembly.
>
> >> Anyway, the sound seems gone now that he did that.  Makes me
> wonder
> >> if a rock was lodged somewhere or perhaps hitting a pothole
> just
> >> right made the radiator slightly out of some bracket.  Who
> knows?
>
> >> I do still believe there is a little too much play with the
> upper
> >> bracket assembly mounts.  They seem somewhat OK but you can
> clearly
> >> see the right side is a little more flush than the left.  The
> bracket
> >> assembly is like $27 so thinking of just replacing for the
> hell of it
> >> and hopefully that totally solves whatever it is.
>
> >> ****************
> >> I doubt if replacing the radiator bracket will make the noise
> go
> >> away.  
> > The
> >> radiator is mounted with rubber isolators so that the radiator
> is not
> >> damaged.  With the engine off, check to make sure that the
> electric
> >> fan shroud is not loose.  You may just be hearing the electric
> fans
> >> kicking
> > in.
> >> With the engine off, check the condition of the fan blades to
> make
> >> sure no
> > ne
> >> are warped.
> >> --
>
> >> Ray O
> >> (correct punctuation to reply)
>
> > It's not the electric fans as this sound happens when they're
> OFF
> > too.  Honestly, I have tried to listen for it and for the life
> of me
> > cannot pinpoint where it's coming from.
>
> > It makes the sound whether I drive or not.  It's not ALWAYS
> there;
> > it's intermittent.  It may make the sound driving but with the
> road
> > noise I cannot hear it.  It also makes the sound in any gear,
> even
> > park.
>
> > What I do notice is when in PARK, the idle changes and it's
> very
> > low... which obviously would reduce vibrations and that seems
> to be
> > when the noise is intermittent to gone.  Reverse and Drive seem
> to
> > have the noise but almost positive it is NOT the transmission
> making
> > the noise -- it's more caused by being in gear is causing the
> wheels
> > to move in some direction.
>
> > I drove to the store and put the pedal to the floor and the car
> had
> > great response and went -- so whatever the noise is, it's not
> causing
> > power loss that I can see.
>
> > My mileage seems to be the same.
>
> > I don't think it's a timing chain noise... almost sure of that.  
> I had
> > the tensioner pulley replaced a little over a year ago and it's
> not a
> > tensioner pulley sound.
>
> > I'm almost inclined to think it's maybe some rattling/loose
> piping
> > underneath the car that is silent outside of the car, but
> inside the
> > car would make some really funky sounds.
>
> > That's all I can think of.  I've tried EVERYTHING to find this
> noise/
> > vibration and for the life of me cannot seem to pinpoint it.  I
> don't
> > think it's a critical thing but I need to find it before I go
> nuts.
>
> > I was thinking of taking a stethoscope to the engine
> compartment as I
> > can faintly hear it from there but it could just as easily be
> piping
> > underneath maybe.  It's VERY hard to hear OUTSIDE of the car
> and very
> > easy to hear INSIDE the car.
>
> > I have removed everything from inside the car to make sure it's
> not
> > something in the glove compartment, trunk, or console... that
> didn't
> > help.
>
> > Very very bizarre...
>
> Heat shield(S) over the catalytic converter or exhaust pipe
> \manifold ??  Make sure they aren't getting loose due to rusted
> out bolts. Just a thought.
> dc

I'm thinking it's piping underneath too. I was going to jack the car
up this afternoon and see if I can wiggle anything underneath.

Question...

When your oil is changed, do they have to remove that heat shield at
all? I wish I remember when this sound started -- when it first
started a few weeks ago I just attributed it to something in the car
but now I have ruled that out. I did get my oil changed a couple
weeks ago so wondering if they had to remove that heat shield and if
they do -- wondering if they got it back on there securely?

Thanks for the suggestion!
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

On Feb 21, 11:37 am, mrsteveo <mrste....TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Feb 21, 11:26 am, doncee <nopsamdbc9....TakeThisOut@nospamswbell.wanted> wrote:
>
>
>
> > >> > > > > I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound
> > started
> > >> > > > > and
> > > it
> > >> > > > > appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me
> > to
> > >> > > > > believe that
> > >> > > > > the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever
> > are
> > >> > > > > loose/broken.
>
> > >> > > > > Does this sound plausible?
>
> > >> > > > > What actually holds the radiator in place? It
> > shouldn't
> > >> > > > > really mov
> > > e
> > >> > > > > back and forth, should it? It's not loose loose.. but
> > it does
> > >> > > > > free
> > > ly
> > >> > > > > wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>
> > >> > > > > I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify
> > what I
> > >> > > > > found a
> > > nd
> > >> > > > > hopefully fix it.
>
> > >> > > > > I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is
> > made
> > >> > > > > out of --
> > >> > > > > as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy
> > streets
> > >> > > > > are t
> > > he
> > >> > > > > norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious
> > bump
> > >> > > > > would be enough to possibly crack a support,
> > especially if
> > >> > > > > it's just made o
> > > ut
> > >> > > > > of plastic or something.
>
> > >> > > > > Thanks for insight,
>
> > >> > > > > Steve
>
> > >> > > > Radiators are usually just setting in the lower radiator
> > >> > > > support in two
> > >> > > > rubber radiator mounts and held at the top by two bolts
> > (one on
> > >> > > > each
>
> > >> > > > side of the radiator) threaded into the upper radiator
> > support.
>
> > >> > > > The supports are generally made out of metal and are
> > part of
> > >> > > > the bod
> > > y
> > >> > > > structure.
>
> > >> > > > You did not mention where your girlfriend was holding
> > the
> > >> > > > radiator t
> > > o
> > >> > > > make the noise stop but you may want to check the two
> > top bolts
> > >> > > > I mentioned earlier to see if they are tight.
>
> > >> > > Now that you mention it, I will check again. She was
> > holding the
> > >> > > top left if you're facing the car. It seems both sides are
> > loose
> > >> > > though.
>
> > >> > > I bet that's likely it -- I will double check and find
> > out!
>
> > >> > OK, so I checked this. The bolts are on very tight which is
> > good.
>
> > >> > The bolts hold on this metal piece which extends out a few
> > inches
> > >> > and has a rubber dealy which rests on top of the radiator.
> > It seems
> > >> > this rubber piece is in decent condition but perhaps it
> > should be a
> > >> > bit thicker? Not sure. Can't tighten anything more than it
> > is yet
> > >> > the radiator still wiggles around. Perhaps that's not the
> > issue but
> > >> > it seemed to stop the noises I heard when someone held the
> > radiator
> > >> > steady so who knows...
>
> > >> > I'll have it checked out.
>
> > >> So I went to the dealer and of course, like clock work,
> > couldn't
> > >> reproduce the issue.
>
> > >> Of course, the dealer was hesitant to want to GET inside my
> > car --
> > >> and prior to him getting inside he shook the radiator quite a
> > bit
> > >> just for the hell of it.  I guess he was testing the play of
> > the
> > >> upper radiator bracket assembly.
>
> > >> Anyway, the sound seems gone now that he did that.  Makes me
> > wonder
> > >> if a rock was lodged somewhere or perhaps hitting a pothole
> > just
> > >> right made the radiator slightly out of some bracket.  Who
> > knows?
>
> > >> I do still believe there is a little too much play with the
> > upper
> > >> bracket assembly mounts.  They seem somewhat OK but you can
> > clearly
> > >> see the right side is a little more flush than the left.  The
> > bracket
> > >> assembly is like $27 so thinking of just replacing for the
> > hell of it
> > >> and hopefully that totally solves whatever it is.
>
> > >> ****************
> > >> I doubt if replacing the radiator bracket will make the noise
> > go
> > >> away.  
> > > The
> > >> radiator is mounted with rubber isolators so that the radiator
> > is not
> > >> damaged.  With the engine off, check to make sure that the
> > electric
> > >> fan shroud is not loose.  You may just be hearing the electric
> > fans
> > >> kicking
> > > in.
> > >> With the engine off, check the condition of the fan blades to
> > make
> > >> sure no
> > > ne
> > >> are warped.
> > >> --
>
> > >> Ray O
> > >> (correct punctuation to reply)
>
> > > It's not the electric fans as this sound happens when they're
> > OFF
> > > too.  Honestly, I have tried to listen for it and for the life
> > of me
> > > cannot pinpoint where it's coming from.
>
> > > It makes the sound whether I drive or not.  It's not ALWAYS
> > there;
> > > it's intermittent.  It may make the sound driving but with the
> > road
> > > noise I cannot hear it.  It also makes the sound in any gear,
> > even
> > > park.
>
> > > What I do notice is when in PARK, the idle changes and it's
> > very
> > > low... which obviously would reduce vibrations and that seems
> > to be
> > > when the noise is intermittent to gone.  Reverse and Drive seem
> > to
> > > have the noise but almost positive it is NOT the transmission
> > making
> > > the noise -- it's more caused by being in gear is causing the
> > wheels
> > > to move in some direction.
>
> > > I drove to the store and put the pedal to the floor and the car
> > had
> > > great response and went -- so whatever the noise is, it's not
> > causing
> > > power loss that I can see.
>
> > > My mileage seems to be the same.
>
> > > I don't think it's a timing chain noise... almost sure of that.  
> > I had
> > > the tensioner pulley replaced a little over a year ago and it's
> > not a
> > > tensioner pulley sound.
>
> > > I'm almost inclined to think it's maybe some rattling/loose
> > piping
> > > underneath the car that is silent outside of the car, but
> > inside the
> > > car would make some really funky sounds.
>
> > > That's all I can think of.  I've tried EVERYTHING to find this
> > noise/
> > > vibration and for the life of me cannot seem to pinpoint it.  I
> > don't
> > > think it's a critical thing but I need to find it before I go
> > nuts.
>
> > > I was thinking of taking a stethoscope to the engine
> > compartment as I
> > > can faintly hear it from there but it could just as easily be
> > piping
> > > underneath maybe.  It's VERY hard to hear OUTSIDE of the car
> > and very
> > > easy to hear INSIDE the car.
>
> > > I have removed everything from inside the car to make sure it's
> > not
> > > something in the glove compartment, trunk, or console... that
> > didn't
> > > help.
>
> > > Very very bizarre...
>
> > Heat shield(S) over the catalytic converter or exhaust pipe
> > \manifold ??  Make sure they aren't getting loose due to rusted
> > out bolts. Just a thought.
> > dc
>
> I'm thinking it's piping underneath too.  I was going to jack the car
> up this afternoon and see if I can wiggle anything underneath.
>
> Question...
>
> When your oil is changed, do they have to remove that heat shield at
> all?  I wish I remember when this sound started -- when it first
> started a few weeks ago I just attributed it to something in the car
> but now I have ruled that out.  I did get my oil changed a couple
> weeks ago so wondering if they had to remove that heat shield and if
> they do -- wondering if they got it back on there securely?
>
> Thanks for the suggestion!

I just jacked up the car. I can't find anything loose underneath.
Muffler / Cat / piping all seems secure. Checked the heat shield, it
looks on their normal and not loose that I can tell.

Going to try starting the car and seeing if I can hear anything while
underneath it.
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

>> > > > > I had my girlfriend hold the radiator when this sound
started
>> > > > > and
> it
>> > > > > appeared the vibration/sound went away which leads me
to
>> > > > > believe that
>> > > > > the radiator support brackets/dampeners or whatever
are
>> > > > > loose/broken.
>>
>> > > > > Does this sound plausible?
>>
>> > > > > What actually holds the radiator in place? It
shouldn't
>> > > > > really mov
> e
>> > > > > back and forth, should it? It's not loose loose.. but
it does
>> > > > > free
> ly
>> > > > > wiggle around which I don't think is normal.
>>
>> > > > > I'm taking it to a shop tonight to have them verify
what I
>> > > > > found a
> nd
>> > > > > hopefully fix it.
>>
>> > > > > I'm more curious what the radiator assembly/support is
made
>> > > > > out of --
>> > > > > as you know here in California, pot holes and crummy
streets
>> > > > > are t
> he
>> > > > > norm so wondering if hitting a pothole or a serious
bump
>> > > > > would be enough to possibly crack a support,
especially if
>> > > > > it's just made o
> ut
>> > > > > of plastic or something.
>>
>> > > > > Thanks for insight,
>>
>> > > > > Steve
>>
>> > > > Radiators are usually just setting in the lower radiator
>> > > > support in two
>> > > > rubber radiator mounts and held at the top by two bolts
(one on
>> > > > each
>
>> > > > side of the radiator) threaded into the upper radiator
support.
>>
>> > > > The supports are generally made out of metal and are
part of
>> > > > the bod
> y
>> > > > structure.
>>
>> > > > You did not mention where your girlfriend was holding
the
>> > > > radiator t
> o
>> > > > make the noise stop but you may want to check the two
top bolts
>> > > > I mentioned earlier to see if they are tight.
>>
>> > > Now that you mention it, I will check again. She was
holding the
>> > > top left if you're facing the car. It seems both sides are
loose
>> > > though.
>>
>> > > I bet that's likely it -- I will double check and find
out!
>>
>> > OK, so I checked this. The bolts are on very tight which is
good.
>>
>> > The bolts hold on this metal piece which extends out a few
inches
>> > and has a rubber dealy which rests on top of the radiator.
It seems
>> > this rubber piece is in decent condition but perhaps it
should be a
>> > bit thicker? Not sure. Can't tighten anything more than it
is yet
>> > the radiator still wiggles around. Perhaps that's not the
issue but
>> > it seemed to stop the noises I heard when someone held the
radiator
>> > steady so who knows...
>>
>> > I'll have it checked out.
>>
>> So I went to the dealer and of course, like clock work,
couldn't
>> reproduce the issue.
>>
>> Of course, the dealer was hesitant to want to GET inside my
car --
>> and prior to him getting inside he shook the radiator quite a
bit
>> just for the hell of it.  I guess he was testing the play of
the
>> upper radiator bracket assembly.
>>
>> Anyway, the sound seems gone now that he did that.  Makes me
wonder
>> if a rock was lodged somewhere or perhaps hitting a pothole
just
>> right made the radiator slightly out of some bracket.  Who
knows?
>>
>> I do still believe there is a little too much play with the
upper
>> bracket assembly mounts.  They seem somewhat OK but you can
clearly
>> see the right side is a little more flush than the left.  The
bracket
>> assembly is like $27 so thinking of just replacing for the
hell of it
>> and hopefully that totally solves whatever it is.
>>
>> ****************
>> I doubt if replacing the radiator bracket will make the noise
go
>> away.  
> The
>> radiator is mounted with rubber isolators so that the radiator
is not
>> damaged.  With the engine off, check to make sure that the
electric
>> fan shroud is not loose.  You may just be hearing the electric
fans
>> kicking
> in.
>> With the engine off, check the condition of the fan blades to
make
>> sure no
> ne
>> are warped.
>> --
>>
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)
>
> It's not the electric fans as this sound happens when they're
OFF
> too. Honestly, I have tried to listen for it and for the life
of me
> cannot pinpoint where it's coming from.
>
> It makes the sound whether I drive or not. It's not ALWAYS
there;
> it's intermittent. It may make the sound driving but with the
road
> noise I cannot hear it. It also makes the sound in any gear,
even
> park.
>
> What I do notice is when in PARK, the idle changes and it's
very
> low... which obviously would reduce vibrations and that seems
to be
> when the noise is intermittent to gone. Reverse and Drive seem
to
> have the noise but almost positive it is NOT the transmission
making
> the noise -- it's more caused by being in gear is causing the
wheels
> to move in some direction.
>
> I drove to the store and put the pedal to the floor and the car
had
> great response and went -- so whatever the noise is, it's not
causing
> power loss that I can see.
>
> My mileage seems to be the same.
>
> I don't think it's a timing chain noise... almost sure of that.
I had
> the tensioner pulley replaced a little over a year ago and it's
not a
> tensioner pulley sound.
>
> I'm almost inclined to think it's maybe some rattling/loose
piping
> underneath the car that is silent outside of the car, but
inside the
> car would make some really funky sounds.
>
> That's all I can think of. I've tried EVERYTHING to find this
noise/
> vibration and for the life of me cannot seem to pinpoint it. I
don't
> think it's a critical thing but I need to find it before I go
nuts.
>
> I was thinking of taking a stethoscope to the engine
compartment as I
> can faintly hear it from there but it could just as easily be
piping
> underneath maybe. It's VERY hard to hear OUTSIDE of the car
and very
> easy to hear INSIDE the car.
>
> I have removed everything from inside the car to make sure it's
not
> something in the glove compartment, trunk, or console... that
didn't
> help.
>
> Very very bizarre...
>

Heat shield(S) over the catalytic converter or exhaust pipe
\manifold ?? Make sure they aren't getting loose due to rusted
out bolts. Just a thought.
dc
 >> Stay informed about: 2002 Corolla CE -- radiator vibration 

"mrsteveo" <mrsteveo RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
news:00205873-bb86-4add-b60a-a586946cf257@d4g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
<snipped>
> > Heat shield(S) over the catalytic converter or exhaust pipe
> > \manifold ?? Make sure they aren't getting loose due to rusted
> > out bolts. Just a thought.
> > dc
>
> I'm thinking it's piping underneath too. I was going to jack the car
> up this afternoon and see if I can wiggle anything underneath.
>
> Question...
>
> When your oil is changed, do they have to remove that heat shield at
> all? I wish I remember when this sound started -- when it first
> started a few weeks ago I just attributed it to something in the car
> but now I have ruled that out. I did get my oil changed a couple
> weeks ago so wondering if they had to remove that heat shield and if
> they do -- wondering if they got it back on there securely?
>
> Thanks for the suggestion!

I just jacked up the car. I can't find anything loose underneath.
Muffler / Cat / piping all seems secure. Checked the heat shield, it
looks on their normal and not loose that I can tell.

Going to try starting the car and seeing if I can hear anything while
underneath it.

************
Check the flex pipe or flex joint on the exhaust. They sometimes make
noise. Also check to make sure that no wire looms or connectors are resting
against the engine without some kind of rubber isolator.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay infor