mp66226

I have an 02 with AT with 168K. When I start cold, I get a rumbling noise thru the car frame/body, i.e., I can't hear anything outside of the car in the engine compartment or underneath the car. It will seemingly last for a few minutes and is tied to the engine speed. It is happening in park or in gear. Seems to get a little worse when accelerating with any spirit when colde. Now, over about 30mph I can't really hear it, don't know if it is because road vibration/noise is drowning out the engine-related noise. Doesn't seem to be there or is not nearly as bad when hot. Also noticed recently that the dome lights, headlights, etc., are flickering at least at idle a bit. As far as I know the motor mounts have not been replaced. I'm hoping it is either motor mounts or the alternator. Any thoughts?

Just as an FYI, I did have to replace the radiator, the hvac blower/amplifier, etc. Seems like, since the rumbling started I'm getting a bit of a flare shiftiing between 2nd and 3rd. I'm also getting pretty loud creaking often when backing out of the driveway and turning when the car kind of drops down in the street. I also am having some pretty good rattling in the front which I think is the left side sway bar link (replaced the right side a month or so ago).

ShocknAwe

iTrader: (3)

lol its falling apart! The rumbling happens when it is not in motion correct? Could be the alternator especially if you are having odd electrical issues. The creaking could be the insulator assembly, likely is, either that or the steering rack. Could be the cause of the rattling if it is bad enough but likely not. I have never heard of a sway bar rattling before, the bushing would have to be almost non existent.

mp66226

Yep, it happens when in park but gets a bit more noticeable when, for example, leaving the house in the morning. Start it up, the "rumble" is there. Back out of the driveway, put it in drive and pull off down the street and it seems a bit more noticeable up to about 30 mph.