I recently got repairs done on my 2.2L engine. What happened was pistons started misfiring and then the timing assembly basically failed.

 

I was actually on my way to the shop when the engine gave out...there was a sudden loss of power and it seemed like I was running on just two cylinders. I managed to limp it the final few miles into the shop.

 

The shop turned it around in under a day...I think he said it was the 'idler pulley'. He also replaced all 4 plugs (he said they were shot) and also the timing assembly. However, now there is an odd shimmy when I drive it...particularly at high speeds. It is somewhat intermittent...sometimes it disappears but also reappears sometimes at low speeds. It has kind of a 'knocking' sound to it.

 

I was wondering what kind of additional damage may have happened...the engine seems to run just fine now but my sense is perhaps the CV joints may have gotten rattled or maybe the steering assembly took a hit...the drivetrain was subjected to a fair amount of shaking for those final few miles...

 

Thanks for your input,

 

--Damien

What year and engine?

It's possible the plug wires are not "clicked" correctly, which could cause an intermittent misfire.

 

Mechanical issues are rarely intermittent. If engine/transmission mounts or axles were damaged any shaking/shuddering would be consistent.

really? maybe you're right...but there's no code and the sound is not consistent with the symptoms I've experienced before.

 

 

I plowed through a lot of posts about drivers having similar problems but I'd prefer to nail it if I can...

 

 

 

 

--Damien

 

p.s. The better information we drivers get will benefit all who are involved in this business.

does the steering wheel 'shimmy' or vibrate when this happens? Or is there a vibration you feel in the brake pedal? seat of the pants?

I think it was mostly in the steering column...I'll drive it more around today to confirm that.

I took it for a drive today. On one stretch it started shaking badly above 60mph. On another stretch it didn't shake at all even up to 75.

 

Once the shimmy kicks in it doesn't go away until the speed drops down until much lower. Pretty much the whole car shakes (including my tushy).

 

 

I'm thinking it's probably the CV joints. They seems to be pretty long in the tooth as it is (one of the boots is split open anyway). I think they probably got warped when the engine gave out and *really* started shaking.

 

Whaddya think?

 

Thanks,

Damien

Older cars can certainly be a challenge as many parts can be loose/old.

 

You definitely want to try moving tires back to front - inspecting everything when you do so. If you have a shop rotate them, have them measure the rims for runout. And axles can certainly cause problems. Spend time/money on these items first.

 

Lower control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering rack bushings etc. would be places to look also.

 

 

It seems unrelated directly to engine work - maybe just a coincidence. Did they service anything else? clutch?

 

 

If you post your city, someone may be able to suggest a shop where you could take a mechanic for a drive to duplicate these issues. he may be able to diagnose it quite well. Certainly better than we can.

Edited October 7, 201213 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

yeah I guess I'll just have to take it in...just like most everyone else.

 

 

When I get the results back I'll let you all know...

 

 

Cheers!

 

--Damien

Well I went out today and inspected the suspected CV joint. There is indeed some 'free play' (I think it's what you guys call it) in the inner joint.

 

The joint housing connected to the transmission was also a little loose. I could move it around by hand...

 

Is it normal for it to be like that? If the splines are ruined/worn on the transmission...is it going to be a biggie?

Edited October 7, 201213 yr by efseiler

Movement at the transmission end is normal.

 

Did you check all ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings in the front suspension while checking the axles?

Movement at the transmission end is normal.

 

Did you check all ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings in the front suspension while checking the axles?

 

Well that's a relief!

 

 

I did creep under the car to nose around...I didn't notice anything that was obviously out-of-joint.

 

 

 

Thanks!

--Damien

I got my car back yesterday from the dealer.

 

He installed both half axles in the front (along with a sticking brake caliper).

 

 

I inspected the installation by hand and, sure enough, the joint is fastened pretty securely to the transmission.

 

The old one that was attached was pretty loose so it gave me some concern that maybe the transmission splines were worn but I guess they are much tougher than that.

 

One thing I noticed was the shudder is reduced (for example when downshifting the vehicle). So that problem is due not only to a worn clutch.

 

 

Over and out,

 

Damien