Ok basics...99 cavi 2200 stock suspension 258000. on body. Recently I have encountered a horrible Slamming or bumping noise in the front end sometimes worse than others. When I am backing up and I shift to Drive it does it rolling or stopped tried everyway to make it do the noise if I power brake I get a GOD awful vibration or if I am stopped and I punch it and turn left the vibration is very obvious. I have checked the upper engine mount it has some play also checked the lower front mount on the tranny 3-speed auto by the way. I have not checked the rear mount could this be the culprit or an inner CV joint which don't commonly go bad? Help me out guys
have you checked control arm bushings?
Actually no I haven't but I will do that tomorrow if can get a chance. That would explain the bumping I get when I engage into drive from rewind but what about the terrible vibration when i power brake or take off from a stop and accelerate heavily while turning left?
5 bucks says its the upper mount. i bet my life in it actually
Im gonna have to agree with Wojo on that it definitely sounds like a upper motor mount or control arm bushings. Especially with that many miles and if there stock bushings, for the terrible vibration ya get when power braking and turning left im guessing is wheel hop.
Thansk for the input I know I am waaaaaaaay overdue for the suspension upgrade but I have to do this is moderation, family first than my cavi but I've owned it since 2000 I'm in no hurry, My car was a plain red cavilier with a black hood (deer pulled out in front of me)until I was side swiped by a taxi here in town this past january, since i own the car I got the check and what you see now is what i did to it so far.
I just wanna know it this issur fixed Dmoose's problem. I have this same issue but its a 2000 5 speed.
Probably the upper mount as wojo and alex stated. I changed it on my sedan I was having the same sounds and it was the fix.
FOR SALE
Thankyou Bagged. It will be my next replacement then.
I have an old TSB on this... sorry, I don't have the number, but I know it supersedes bulletin 00-06-01-018 (Section 06 Engine/Propulsion system).
"Growl/Moan noise during sharp left turn (modify engine mount stamping)" Affects 2.2L RPO LN2 motors, VIN 4 Cavalier and Sunfire. The cast arm of the engine mount makes contact with the outer stamped cage of the mount assembly.
Basically, they trim away part of the metal on the engine mount cage so there's nothing to contact with anymore.
I have a similar problem. Haven't checked mounts or bushings yet but will do tomorrow after work. But in the last few days I noticed an odd vibration and clunking out of the left front. Usually does it on a smooth straight road with cruise set between 45 and 55 depending on locations. It cycles on and off depending on going up and down an incline. its a fast clunk and I was thinking cv but it doesnt happen when I turn the wheels. Any suggestions or comments? 201k 2.2L 4sp Auto.
People can't learn common sense. You're born with it. Either you have it or you just don't!
I know mine wasn't the upper passenger engine mount or, the lower engine strut. I installed a new lower strut, no fix, I installed a Prothane upper engine insert and no fix. So now I feel that I'm left with struts and or strut mounts, or control arm bushings. So I'm leaning on the bushings. A bad thing about the Prothane insert is the engine vibration shakes more of the car. But the engine does NOT move with a 3' pry bar.
CRAIG POTH wrote:upper passenger engine mount or, the lower engine strut.
???
Really?
Just like everyone else said. It's your STRUT MOUNT.
Get a strut mounting Kit.
They come with the mounting plates and bearings.
Have a shop do it. Or some 1 you know.
Don't let them charge you more than $150 for labor.
I'll rent a compressor and replace them myself before I spend $150. I'm going to do the bushings 1st. I'm 80% sure that what it is.
When you switch from Reverse to Drive, your are making the mount slam up then down. if in good shape, you dont hear it. But when they go bad, its very noticeable. Also, if a motormount is bad, its likely to cause other Noise/Vibration/Harshness issues. Replace that mount first. its ALOT easier than the control arm bushings i promise you.
consider the costs..
Motor mount
vs
control arm
-also includes stabilizer link(s)
-alignment (if you choose to do it properly)
-time.
Thanks Jeff.
I Bought an engine mount, brought it home, took out the old one, looked at it and put the old one back in and the new one back to the store. At the same time I orderd "Prothane's" upper engine mount insert from Summit Racing. I put that in last Sundau and took it out as soon as I could. It would still thumpping and shaking the car.
CRAIG POTH wrote:Thanks Jeff.
I Bought an engine mount
Engine Mount???
Like the first few ppl said it's you S-T-R-U-T Mount...
not your engine mount......
I removed my upper mount and found the two recessed mounting screws missing i couldn't believe it!! I put in the new mount and another bracket from a junker because the holes were wallowed out, i also cut out the edge before I installed it per John Lenko's quote, my vibration is gone I also picked up a bit of take-off response, cause my engine doesn't do a cartwheel before I start rolling!!LOL
John Lenko wrote:I have an old TSB on this... sorry, I don't have the number, but I know it supersedes bulletin 00-06-01-018 (Section 06 Engine/Propulsion system).
"Growl/Moan noise during sharp left turn (modify engine mount stamping)" Affects 2.2L RPO LN2 motors, VIN 4 Cavalier and Sunfire. The cast arm of the engine mount makes contact with the outer stamped cage of the mount assembly.
Basically, they trim away part of the metal on the engine mount cage so there's nothing to contact with anymore.
