Multiple Problems in a 2000 Cavalier; Any advice greatly appreciated

faytlnd · #1 03-01-2005, 01:42 PM

I have a 2000 Cavalier 2 door, with manualtransmission. I am currently having a few issues, none of which seem like a big deal, but i'd like to get an idea if they are serious problems that I should have looked into.

1)The ABS light is on. There is not much moreinfo,just that it is always on.
2)Whenever I make a turn, I can feel a clicking in the steering column. Its hard to explain, but I can feel the short, tight vibrations in the wheel, and its only when I am making a turn (it doesn't matter whether it is left or right).
3)My car seems abnormally loud. When idling, or reving the engine in neutral, it sounds normal. However whenever I start driving, it gets very loud in the car. I don't necessarily think it is something in the engine. But the loudness just sounds like road noise, and it comes from around the driver and passenger floor. Even at lwer speeds (25-30 mph) its not bad, but on the highway I really have to turn up the music or talk louder to carry on a conversation. It is also louder on the driver side. I didn't think this was a problem at first, but it seems to be getting louder, or I am just crazy.

Any advice/insight into these problems would be greatly appreciated.

deadBird · #2 03-01-2005, 07:47 PM

Possibly a CV joint? I've heard of people putting tires on backwards! But, my guess is yer having problems with the ABS so check the relays, fuses etc. Also check the brake fluid. Either get a chiltons/haynes manual or take it to the garage, because the longer you run the car like this the more you'll tear your car up.

inarifennec · #3 03-01-2005, 11:34 PM

clicking noise? Could be the power steering system. Check your lines. Check for fluid level. And if anything check the pump it might be going. Could also be the CV joint. if it is you'd better get that fixed. Lockup = bad.

noshun · #4 03-02-2005, 03:24 PM

Wheel bearing. Jack up the fron end of your car. then grab the top and bottom of the wheel and then try rocking it. if it has play in it and isn't completely solid you need the wheel bearings done. also while it's up there, use jackstands by the way, check the rubber boots on the driveshafts. if you don't know what they are, turn the wheel (make sure it's not in gear just use the e-brake) and watch for a bar to turn. both ends it has rubber boots check that they are not cracked or loose. is so they need to be replace is the cv joits haven't fgone. the outer one are more likely to go!

faytlnd · #5 03-03-2005, 02:15 AM

Thanks for the info. I took it in to get it looked at, and the mechanic said the same thing, that its probably a wheel bearing. They are going to tke a look at it and get back to me...I will post to give the heads up on exactly what it was.

Thanks everyone.

EDIT: Got a call today from the mechanic. The front bearing is bad and needs replaced, and the ABS sensor in the rear tire is gone, causing the ABS light. Since apparently the ABS sensor is part of the bearing assembly, that has to all be replaced. The problem in the steering is apparently a problem in a flex joint in the column. The guy said he can fix it by taking it apart and relubricating. All in all the work is going to cost me 600. I hate cars.

noshun · #6 03-03-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faytlnd

Thanks for the info. I took it in to get it looked at, and the mechanic said the same thing, that its probably a wheel bearing. They are going to tke a look at it and get back to me...I will post to give the heads up on exactly what it was.

Thanks everyone.

EDIT: Got a call today from the mechanic. The front bearing is bad and needs replaced, and the ABS sensor in the rear tire is gone, causing the ABS light. Since apparently the ABS sensor is part of the bearing assembly, that has to all be replaced. The problem in the steering is apparently a problem in a flex joint in the column. The guy said he can fix it by taking it apart and relubricating. All in all the work is going to cost me 600. I hate cars.

Glad to be of service! I can add this to my list of good diagnosies, although I forgot about the ABS and didn't get the steering but wheel bearings can do that sometimes also!

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