Problem #1
E-Brake light comes on on medium to hard "launches". Light stays on until I slow down to 20, or 30mph.
I need rotors, pads, drums and shoes. I was assuming the light came on due to the brake fluid being low, and the launch shifts the fluid, thus making it read as though it's lower than it really is. Am I right?
Problem #2
Alignment is off. Yes a simple fix. But why?
I had a bad wheel bearing (drivers side) since August 2004, and just recently fixed it this month. 2 days before I fixed it, my alignment started going bad. I assumed when I fixed it, it would correct the problem. It didn't.
I was also told I have to do the other side too, any truth to this? (I had planned on it anyways, but I'm curious)
Problem #3
My front end feels loose... like it has a slight shimmy. It feels solid moving the wheel left and right SLIGHTLY, but sharply (similar to NASCAR drivers on caution laps, but not as much) I did this to make sure I still had steering response. And I do.
Occasionally, it does feel similar to a very strong gust of wind, and I have to move the wheel to counter it, then all is fine.
I'm puzzled here.
The only things I can think of are either a balljoint or tierod was worn down from the bad bearing.....
Any and all help is appreciated, thanks in advance!
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
check for lower control arm bushings falling out
A bad alignment can cause the other two problems. Get that fixed first and then see if things are still the same.
As far as wheel bearings, you only need to change the one.
Philio, forgive my n00bness, how can I check my lower control arm bushings?
Zach, that's some mad body roll in your sig. I'll try to get an alignment this tuesday when I'm off.
Have either of you experienced these problems?
And thanks for the input..
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
basically just look at them....look at the rear lower control arm bushing youll know when it falling out
I won't get a chance to look at anything until Monday....
But driving home tonight, turning onto my street, turning around, and parking I heard a few pop noises....
Came from what sounded like the drivers side...
The noise sounded similar to the hollow pop noise a tire makes when you hit something, and it "pops" out from under the tire.... hopefully you know what I mean....
I was thinking its possibly my sway bar not tightened down all the way? I had to loosen that when I did my wheel bearing....
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
Not true about the bearings, if one goes, you really should fix the other side.
I had mine go bad on my drivers side, and just before i took it in the other one went, course, i did drive it for about 8 months before i fixed it. But the point is, the one wearing out, will cause the other to wear out.
Well I have plans to do the other bearing....
Phil did your alignment get messed up at all?
My steering wheel went off by about 1/2" when the car was going straight...
I'm fairly positive this has a direct connection to driving with a bad wheel bearing since August 2004 (8 months as well).
Which leads to my next question, what items specifically could a bad wheel bearing cause to malfunction, wear out, or just become mis-aligned?
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
Phil Olin wrote:But the point is, the one wearing out, will cause the other to wear out.
Who told you that? Wheel bearings are COMPLETELY independent. If one wears out it has no effect on the other.
I burn through wheel bearings all the time because of the autocrossing (loading the front end like you see in my sig probably has something to do with it
). A bad wheel bearing can cause your alignment to go funny but it should go back to normal unless the bad wheel bearing has somehow put stress on your front end and caused things to move a bit(like driving on it for 8 months).
Get an alignment and see if things have changed. I'm betting they will. If you have worn your tires wrong though it may not completely change things.
Hey again Zach....
I figured the bearings were independent, but I wanted to ask to make sure.
The alignement didn't change when I replaced the bearing, so I'm assuming, like you said, that the bad bearing put stress on something up front.
I'm hoping it's nothing expensive, I'd like to do my back brakes this weekend (did the fronts today)
The alignment has only been bad.. a little less than a month now, so I shouldn't have killed my tires too much....
Thanks again man.
And matter of fact Zach... I might have a spare bearing for you if I can get it off without killing it......................
The passenger bearing should be done within the next 2 weeks.
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
Its ok, my timkens are under warranty. The guys at autozone are starting to dread me.
Sounds like control arm bushings. I would also check lower ball joint and tie rod end. I have also heard of cases where the lower balljoint stud will actually enlarge the hole in the knuckle if not torqued to specs.
I get spooked each time I feel that "like a strong gust of wind" feeling on the highway. I felt that in a Ford Bronco II for a few days, and didn't think much of it. Then the wheel popped off at 60 MPH. The autopsy revealed a bad wheel bearing that suddenly shattered.
Scarred for life
- Ken
'99 Z24, Manual
Quote:
But driving home tonight, turning onto my street, turning around, and parking I heard a few pop noises....
If those noises were a fast "pop pop pop" while turning it could be the C/V shaft. That would explain the loss of steering at times. To check if this is the deal your getting get to a parking lot and turn the car left and right a couple of times, if it makes the popping noise then it's the C/V shaft. Do check the control arm bushings and swaybar endlinks (if applicable). Also do you have any aftermarket suspension components?
Ken, Silver Lightning,
The pop noises were not in a row at all. Just an occasional pop. I took my car to the dealer today to have it checked out...
Their conclusion is that my current problem is, according to the receipt, "Needs front upper strut mounts and bearings"
And my alignment, of course.....
The continuing post is here:
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=11&i=84111&t=84111
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
