Hi, I have a 2004 toyota camry v6 3litre that started initially vibrating between 60& 80kms, then a bit at 100-110 kms/hr. Now it's really...

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Customer

Hi, I have a 2004 toyota camry v6 3litre that started initially vibrating between 60& 80kms, then a bit at 100-110 kms/hr. Now it's really shaking starting at 80 kmh, getting worse at 100 then when I reach 110 it starts to get less vibration. At 118, it's ok, but at 120 it gets worse, then around 130, it's gets really bad. I've taken it into a Canadian tire, which is a national chain in Canada, the tech there said that the cv joints were replaced, & the left strut is leaking. The car has 270k kms on it, I bought it used, the previous owner mentioned that it was shaking before but it was fixed before I bought it. I think he only replaced the cv joints right strut. When I release the gas pedal the shaking is gone. The wheels have been balanced and are currently winters. I know that the timing belt will need replacing soon. I haven't changed the transmission fluid since I bought it and probably should. The rpms are usually between 2& 2.5 k rpm's when driving at 110-120km speeds. I have the blue driver obd scanner and no codes except an airbag code has been detected. Of course, I'd rather not just replace parts since I don't have a ton of cash but if you can guide me in the right direction, at least I'd be targeted as to what to do. The technicians at Canadian Tire are not mechanics, just techs.

Thanks

Last updated
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

Hello and welcome to ExpertHelp.com! My name is Charles Totherow and I'm going to do everything in my power to answer your question to your full satisfaction!

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Last updated
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

 Most engine shaking issues while under acceleration are caused by loose motor mounts or stabilizer bar bushings. It can also be caused by clogged fuel injector nozzles or issues with the ignition system causing a misfire at lower speeds. I would advise that you contact one of our local ASE certified mechanics to road test your vehicle and determine what might be causing the vibration issue.

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

Please let me know the results.

Posted
Customer

OMG, while checking the condition of the motor mount, I discovered the coolant reservoir completely empty, with signs of liquid beneath it.  Would a loosely tightened cap cause this or could I be potentially looking at a blown head gasket?  Coolant was low when I bought it used about 2 years ago.  How important is it to get the toyota brand coolant vs something like a prestone for this 15 year old car.  I've also mistakenly mixed pink coolant when I should have put it green coolant.  Coolant temp seemed to remain stable at 81 for the total 3 hour drive I made to Toronto & back.  As for the engine mount, I'd send photos but it looks like the stuff inside the top mount can just be moved around and taken out with my hand without effort. I will try to replace the mount myself but I don't know exactly which model my transmission is between

4-speed U241E automatic
5-speed U151E automatic
4-speed U140E automatic
5-speed U250E automatic

The shifter shows p,r, n,d, 3, 2, L.

 I also have a 98 camry with worn engine mounts but it never vibrated like this.  Could the leaking strut also contribut to this?  I haven't checked the stabilizer bar bushings yet since that would mean getting under the car and it's wet & cold right now.

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

Yes this may also be an issue as well.

Posted
Customer

Will it matter at this stage what brand coolant I use?  Expensive Toyota vs cheaper coolant compatible with Toyota?

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

You can use the 50/50 mix brand mix 

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

inexpensive brand

Posted
Customer

pink or green?

 

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

The green should be fine

Posted
Customer

How about transmission fluid?  Should I buy the toyota branded fluid or go with what Mister Transmission would put in?  This will be the first time I've ever changed the tranny fluid in this 15 year old car?

 

Posted
Customer

Drain & fill only

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

Synthetic ATF, such as Mobil or the new General Motors Dexron VI Synthetic Blend ATF, will extend the drain-and-fill interval beyond 30,000 miles and may extend the life of your transmission. 1990 to 2001 Camrys require Dexron III. The Dexron VI is backward compatible to Dexron III and will not harm your transmission.

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

Even though auto manufacturers want you to buy their own ATF, I have used other brands successfully in Toyotas, Volvos, and VWs. I have had the best success using a Universal Synthetic ATF made by Amalie Oil Corporation, which supplies WalMart under the SuperTech Brand. Also, Valvoline Full Synthetic ATF, compatible with Toyota Type IV ATF and Honda ZF, was selling at Walmart in Oct. 2013 for $16.40 a gallon, or a little over $4 a quart, whereas most auto retailers sell synthetic ATF for $8 - $10 a quart. A colleague who used to work for Valvoline told me they maintain a very high-quality control standard.

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

This iwll work even though your car is 2004 as well.

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

You can also use Toyota Type IV T fluid

Posted
Customer

THanks!!  That puts me at ease since I don't want to screw things up, especially on limited funds!  I hope they have that SuperTech Brand in the walmarts in Canada.  Since I've just been topping up the coolant reservoir for the last 2 years when I remember due to the fact that it was low when I bought it, is there anything catastrophic that can happen if I do have a blown head gasket?  I only paid about 3K for the car used and I think that repair might cost more than the car.  I can put up with the inconvenience of being towed home.  I do have CAA which can tow me back within the distances I travel . 

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

Dear Romell , It was a pleasure helping you with your Toyota issue today. Here is a summary of the resolution.


Issue identified : Customer had questions regarding automobile

 

 

Solution Implemented :  I left replies with steps to get the right tranny fluid as well as the correct antifreeze

Answer Accepted

 

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Posted

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