My car is a 98 Saturn SL It is making a thumping noise when I drive it. When I start the car up or let it idle there is something under the hood that is vibrating. I don't want the repair man to give me a story of all the things wrong with it. Could you steer me in the right direction so I can sound like I know possibly where the problem could be coming from? I know I need an oil change but that can't possibly be the problem.
2007-02-02 09:15:42 · 4 answers · asked by Jacobi S 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is weird but the thumping is louder when I go 30mph then not so bad at 40 and then much worse at 50 and above so at this time hwy driving is out of the picture. I keep thinking whatever it is it's gonna fall out on the road if I go to fast.
2007-02-02 09:36:03 · update #1
well the oil can be. the vibration noise could be the pistons hitting the head because lack of or wore out oil. oil is only suppose to do its job for about 3 to 5 thousands miles after it can damage your head, pistons, and not to mention a big head ache you are going to get. this will sound like(ticticticticticticticticticiticiticiticiticiticiticiticiticiticiticiticiticiticitic) ? or you can look under the hood and see if there is anything lose. if you dont know what it is they sell books at the auto parts stores that explain thinhs very simple and well. goo luck
2007-02-02 09:26:24 · answer #1 · answered by jedi1medic 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Truly a hard one to diagnose without more detail. As the other responder said, open the hood up and listen for where the vibration is coming from.
As for the thumping noise you stated in your first sentence, is that the same sound you describe as the vibrating sound? Does the thumping increase consistently with the acceleration of the vehicle? Does it go away at all while accelerating (i.e. at a particular RPM)?
Another thought would be to ask some of your friends that may be a little more mechanically inclined to take a look at the car. Generally you'll find males are pretty eager to help when it comes to cars so they may be able to at least provide you with some free on-site trouble shooting before you go into the garage (if it is really needed). If you're lucky, one of the friends will possibly be able to do the repair or recommend a good/reasonably priced shop to do the work.
2007-02-02 09:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by Jim Maryland 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a 97 Saturn SL and it vibrated really bad all the time and was really loud. I couldn't even see straight it would vibrate so bad and the steering wheel would be blurry! It's the transmission. Very expensive to replace. I got rid of it and bought a new car!
2007-02-02 09:24:11 · answer #3 · answered by L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open that hood up and look and listen , girl. You might be lucky and it is only your windshield-wiper fluid reservoir that is rockin and thumpin' back and forth. Just tighten it down.
This might be a good way to meet some guys that know about engines and cars. Just start your car in the parking lot.. open the hood... look all frustrated...and 4 guys will stop VERY SOON.
You'll have that problem diagnosed the same day. In fact, go to AUTOZONE, NAPA, PEP BOYS, whatever in your area.. and do that. They will come out into the parking lot and help you.
good luck, chava.
2007-02-02 09:19:30 · answer #4 · answered by GOMEZ LOPEZ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋