? Advisable maintenance

1999 2WD, 5 speed, small 4 cylinder. Home built camper on back. Adding extra suspension on back next week.

This old turtle has 177,000 miles. Pretty regular service over the years as recommended. I'd like her to go another 100 K, at least. Our previous, well trusted shop changed hands recently and we don't feel the same about them. So, I was thinking of taking her to a new shop for a look over. There's a new, kind of deep vibration going up through the gears that goes away at speed. I do know the tires are about 5-10 K from replacement.

So if this was yours and you felt a need to have it checked out to prevent or head off some " catastrophic event, what would you recommend they check. Used to be a timing belt breaking was a disaster, but I think they told me it doesn't have a timing belt. Anyway that's the kind of thing I want to prevent. I'm going by the old shop and getting the service records, because I don't remember when the belts, hoses, plugs etc were last done.

Please let me know what you'd do particularly in light of that new vibration. I googled it and Lordy-mclordy there were many things could cause a new vibration from tires to valves, etc. I don't have a lot of $ , but would rather catch something before it fails and costs too much to repair.

Thanks everyone

 

Does it only vibrate when moving? Probably drive shaft most likely, at least a safe start?

Either pull the service records, or, go over the whole thing yourself and do it now just to be sure.

 

go for a drive and take note of a few things. Does the vibration happen:
- only at/between certain speeds?
- when accelerating?
- when braking?
- when coasting in neutral?
- does the vibration seem constant, rhythmic or pulsating?

Is there a sound that goes along with it? do you feel it on the pedals? Wheel?

 

Your 2.7l has a timing chain instead of a belt. If it breaks, the pistons will hit the valves (it's an interference engine).

With 5,000 to 10,000 miles until you need tires you might want to check the tread. If the tread is cupped at the edges it could cause a dull vibration. Have a look at them, okay?

 

It doesn't change your advice but he has the 2RZ (2.4L) because he has a 5-lugger.

 

2.4 is right. Thanks for the responses. I am not auto mechanically experienced or educated. The vibration may be only noticeable to me, but I'll go out and "test" as you suggested; get back with the results. I think I'll go ahead and get new tires Thursday when they add the rear suspension upgrade.

My more basic question is with 177,000 miles, std transmission a a small engine what would a prudent person want to have checked. You see, I used to fly for a living so preventive maintenance is my habit. AND, I don't have the shekels to put into a new engine, etc.

 

• vibration is low frequency/sound
• occurs between 1800-1900 RPM up through 2200 or so when accelerating
  
• does not occur when coasting or braking
• constant, not rhythmic or pulsating.
• yes a deep sort of growl noticeably different that usual engine noise, but not dramatic like OMG pull over
• don't feel it on the pedals or wheel.

Getting new tires and a inexpensive rear end suspension boost kit on thursday. if i still have the vibration after new tires i'll take it to a shop.

 

grease the u-joints. easily overlooked. i doubt mechanic shops do this as a part of their basic maintenance.

 

What's that?

I agree with Serge that you should make sure your driveshaft is greased. If you haven't done this before pick up a grease gun and some good grease and search the forum to figure out how and where you grease it. If you only hear it under acceleration you are probably right about it being drivetrain related. Has your diff oil been changed lately?