1997 Chevy Cavalier Car shakes when in motion

1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
150,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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HEAVYTECH
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  • 2 POSTS
My 150k '97 Chevy Cavalier recently started shaking and making a rubbing sound whenever it is in motion. The shaking is directly related to the speed I'm traveling, does not occur when I'm idling, almost goes away when turned slightly to the left and gets worse when making a sharp turn in either direction. The rubbing noise is not constant, sounds like something is being hit repeatedly, and also seems to be related to the speed I'm traveling whether I'm in a parking lot going a few miles per hour or on the highway at 65.
Jun 20, 2009 at 1:51 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
It sounds like a bad wheel bearing. Safely lift and secure the front of the vehicle. Once the tires are off the ground, try shaking them left and right or up and down to see if there is any play.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Jun 20, 2009 at 2:40 PM
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HEAVYTECH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the response but no luck, I tried doing this and the tires didn't seem to move at all. After thinking about it and driving the car again it seems like the noise comes from one side or the other and switches dependant on what direction the wheels are turned if that helps out any.
Jun 21, 2009 at 1:15 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
It really sounds like a wheel bearing problem. When you turn the wheels, you change the amount of weight on each wheel, so the sound will change.
Jun 21, 2009 at 4:19 AM
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