funny noise & brakes

[SassySarah]

Hello, I have two questions, I have a 2003 Solara with 2,000 miles on it and these two things have been bothering me but I haven't looked into it yet.

First, when I turn left, there is a pop-like sound, almost sounds like a rock hitting the bottom of the car;

Second, when I brake I have slight vibration in the steering wheel, is that normal?

Anyone have any ideas what these things could be? I will have them checked out at the first oil change, just didn't know if it was major or not.

[Mole]

a possible alignment problem.

[Fletch]

I have a moderate to heavy vibration when braking, especially around 40 MPH. I am sure that the brake rotors are warped. Stopping power is still good though.

When the current pads wear out, I'll get new rotors, pads and braided lines.

[DavPak]

if the steering wheel vibration happens every time you step on the brake (at speeds higher than 20mph) than your brake rotors are probably warped. did you ever drive with the parking brake on? that might have caused this. whatever, make an appt with your local dealer, they should warranty rotors and pads no problem.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

For 2000 miles you have a lot going on...go to the dealer...

SOmetimes new pads and rfesurfacing the disc's solves the vibrations

[TXSolaraSLE]

i had the same problem with wheel vibration when i bought my car used, except it was more like the steering wheel wobbling back and forth when braking. It was just unevenly worn rotors that needed to be resurfaced. Shouldn't be a big deal at all if you take it to the dealer. No idea on the popping noise though..good luck!

[onefiend]

First, when I turn left, there is a pop-like sound, almost sounds like a rock hitting the bottom of the car;

Second, when I brake I have slight vibration in the steering wheel, is that normal?

I know its too early to be doing this on your car, but the rock sound you hear hitting the bottom of your car may be a boot problem. Does it only do that sound when you make a turn? The vibration in the steering wheel could be an alignment problem or a brake problem. I have had these problems before and it was a boot and alignment problem.

[FLASH]

My brakes sqeual pretty bad when i first back out of my driveway, but only then. I also painted my calipers. What should I do?
(sorry if this is off topic)

[DavPak]

My brakes sqeual pretty bad when i first back out of my driveway, but only then. I also painted my calipers. What should I do?
(sorry if this is off topic)

nuthin! lots of toyota brakes squeek in reverse and are fine otherwise.

[onefiend]

My brakes sqeual pretty bad when i first back out of my driveway, but only then. I also painted my calipers. What should I do?
(sorry if this is off topic)

nuthin! lots of toyota brakes squeek in reverse and are fine otherwise.

Yeah mine squeek when backing out of the driveway too, i think this is normal.

[wannaupgradesolarabad]

hey, I think i kno wha ur talkin about. WHen i got my car fixed after my crash i heard the popping noise too. My guy said that it was a ballbearing that was loose or something of that sort. But after he fixed it i never heard it again, been popping noise free ever since =D

[SassySarah]

First, when I turn left, there is a pop-like sound, almost sounds like a rock hitting the bottom of the car;

Second, when I brake I have slight vibration in the steering wheel, is that normal?

I know its too early to be doing this on your car, but the rock sound you hear hitting the bottom of your car may be a boot problem. Does it only do that sound when you make a turn? The vibration in the steering wheel could be an alignment problem or a brake problem. I have had these problems before and it was a boot and alignment problem.

Yes, the pop sound is only when I turn left, not right. What would cause a boot problem? Also, isn't my car too new to have brake problems???

[SassySarah]

if the steering wheel vibration happens every time you step on the brake (at speeds higher than 20mph) than your brake rotors are probably warped. did you ever drive with the parking brake on? that might have caused this. whatever, make an appt with your local dealer, they should warranty rotors and pads no problem.

I have never driven with the parking brake on. Why would a brand new car have warped rotors? Is this common?

[cdssolara]

First, when I turn left, there is a pop-like sound, almost sounds like a rock hitting the bottom of the car;

Second, when I brake I have slight vibration in the steering wheel, is that normal?

I know its too early to be doing this on your car, but the rock sound you hear hitting the bottom of your car may be a boot problem. Does it only do that sound when you make a turn? The vibration in the steering wheel could be an alignment problem or a brake problem. I have had these problems before and it was a boot and alignment problem.

Yes, the pop sound is only when I turn left, not right. What would cause a boot problem? Also, isn't my car too new to have brake problems???

I think he's actually referring to a problem with the CV joint. Many times it's caused when the boot that protects it gets damaged and road debris gets into the joint and damages it. You shouldn't be having problems like that with only 2000 miles, but it wouldn't hurt to have the dealership check it out.

[DavPak]

I have never driven with the parking brake on. Why would a brand new car have warped rotors? Is this common?

no its not common. but i have seen it.