I have a 1999 Toyota Corolla LE with 49,000 miles. For the last month or so, I have been hearing a steady vibrating/flapping noise while driving and this is more pronounced at slow speeds and turns.
My tires are also worn out; so I recently took it to a Toyota Dealer Service Center to replace the tires and do some wheel aligment. He also did a 120 point inspection check and came up with the following:
I was also told that the hydraulic fluid was leaking and that the serpentine belt and hydraulic tensioner had to be replaced ($413.00). I am alwasy most worried about "leaks" and had him immediately him fix this.
I was also told that -
1) the front Brake rotors had to be replaced along with the pads ($525.00),
2) the rear brake drum had to be replaced ($293.00) as these had some "hot spots" in them.
I decided to hold off on this brake job since I had not heard any brake squealing etc and had not suspected any brake problems.
I was also told to replace the "battery" ??? I had no problems ever starting the car even on really really cold days so I decided to hold off on this too.
I drove the car home last night. I can still hear the steady vibrating/flapping noise.
My questions are:
1 - Are they "correct" about the front brake rotors and pads needing replacement?
2 - Are they correct about the rear brake drum needing replacement ?
3 - Do you think that this is the probably cause of the vibrating/flapping noise?
(I called Midas about both and they said that they would do the front rotor + pads for slightly lesser money. Midas also said that the rear brake drum on a 1999 Toyota Corolla should not be a problem at this stage and probably does not need replacement and that this might have other fixes possible.
They said that they would have to take a look at the car.
Is it advisable to go with Midas for brake pads and rotor replacement?
Waiting for your replies.
Many Thanks
-R