1995 Chevy Cavalier Rumbling Noise

CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Avatar
GOPHER4
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hello. My Wife has a 1995 Chevy Cavelier, automatic 4 cylinder, 128,000 miles that makes a loud rumbling/vibrating noise when driving. As you accelerate, the noise gets louder and louder, but is almost gone when completely turning to the left. Could this be due to a bad transaxle halfshaft? I have exposed the front end of it where it meets the rotor and can't tell if the gears are stripped or not. I want to know if I replace it if that will solve the probelm or if I am looking in the wrong spot. I thought it was faulty bearings that needed to be replaced and regreased, but I noticed that there are no bearings to be found. Please help!
Apr 28, 2007 at 9:07 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
Sounds like a wheel hub/ bearing going bad, they are a sealed unit.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_bear_1.jpg



The caliper, and rotor needs removing, the axle nut taken off, axle either pressed off hub or driven off, then the 3 bolts removed from the front, accessed by rotated the hub until the holes line up with the bolts.

When you jack the car up, rock the wheel back and forth while someone else can see where the play is before replacing anything. You can post pics to help with further questions if you need to.
Apr 28, 2007 at 9:10 AM

Suggested Repair

Inspect the sealed front wheel hub bearing before replacing the halfshaft. With the car jacked up, rock the wheel to locate play, then replace the hub bearing if it is loose or noisy.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier reports a loud rumbling and vibrating noise that grows louder with acceleration and nearly disappears when turning fully left. They suspected a bad transaxle halfshaft or bearings but found no serviceable bearings. The expert says a sealed wheel hub bearing is the likely cause and recommends checking for wheel play before replacement.

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle