Chris, 98 Corolla Seca Hatch - NEEDING HELP

[Chippps]

Hey everyone, 

Wanting to introduce myself and my little green machine and tell you about my experience because I really need help.

Not even sure if this is the place to tell my story. 

Sold 90% of my belongings and bought the little car as I needed transport to get to appointments at the hospital and other specialists around Brisbane. 

Inspected the car, everything looked okay. Drove fine and organised the roadworthy myself so I could make sure it wasn't done dodgy. 

Didn't do a pre-purchase because the car was <$1500. 

Took it in for wheel alignment, balance etc to then be told the Front Lower Control Arms need replacing and the Dizzy O-Ring and Rocker Cover Gasket needs to be replaced. 

As you can imagine I'm devastated. I thought I did all the right things and then the mechanic said these should of been picked up during the Safety Certificate.

As you can imagine I don't have the money to get these things fixed (can't work due to my health) and rely on the car so very much. 

I've been quoted between $1,000 - $1,500.

My psychiatrist recommended maybe starting a GoFundMe which I decided to give it a go https://gofund.me/2f4619c2

If anyone has got any suggestions on what I can do? Any car enthusiasts that can fix it for me if i buy the parts?  

It would be so much appreciated if someone could help. I'm a former foster child so it's just me trying to adult and get through life. 

 

[Tony Prodigy]

Hi there and welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your situation. I know car purchase can be a minefield and prove frustrating. Unfortunately it is buyer beware whenever buying anything and you must do your due diligence, which appears you have. I'd never trust seller advertising spiels. "Sound mechanical condition" doesn't ring true considering what your mechanic has supposedly found. 

Before getting ahead of yourself, I'd get a second and third opinion about the issues you mention. Oil leaks are pretty obvious and should be addressed. These can be done very easily. If you are somewhat mechanically minded, you could even do these yourself with minimal tools. Youtube is a blessing in this modern age and anyone can do a rocker cover gasket and O ring on the dizzy. Just mark the dizzy position with a permanent marker before removing and swap out the o'ring. Easy.

As for the lower control arms, for a car that has supposedly done 154K it seems unlikely these could be bad, hence my suggestion for getting 2nd opinion. Some mechanics are crooks and it's possible that one you crossed could be desperate for work. My wife had the same model Corolla with over 240K and it was fine so it's possible yours are ok.

Did they show you any proof they were worn ? Does the car drive strangely ? Are the front tyres wearing unevenly ?

Do you have any tools, jack or anything that could allow you to do some DIY repairs ? Given your financial situation, I'd be more inclined to start learning how to fix my own rather than rely on others. Control arms ( if they are in fact worn) isn't a hard job and can be done easily as a DIY.

By the way, you don't need to re post as a new thread if you need to add more info. You can edit your original post by clicking on the 3 dots top right of field.

I wish you all the best with this and hope your situation improves.

Keep your chin up mate 

 

[Chippps]

Hey mate, 

Sorry for that delayes replied. Hasnt been a great week. 

Your information has been invaluable and I appreciate the support so much. 

Will give you an update when I finally get around to tackling the problem. 

Have a great Festive Season and again THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU 

[Gew]

Hi and welcome to the forum! [emoji112]
Want to share some photos on your car? [emoji57]

[Hiro]

Cam cover gasket is easy to do if you're a capable home mechanic (even if your're not actually, it doesn't require anything other than basic tools).  Depending on which o-ring it is in the dizzy might make it a bit harder but it is still pretty simple to remove and install yourself (there is a flat on the shaft so it can only go in one way).  The control arms are also fairly easy to remove and install if you have a jack and a rattle gun, so really it all comes down to getting the parts and having a mate who can press the new bushes in (or a workshop that'll do it for cheap), get a bunch of mates together who know about cars and a case of beer and you'll be able to knock over 90% of the work for free (plus cost of parts).  AE10x Corollas are simple-as to work on (and I should know as I've been driving them for 15+ years)

[Chippps]

Thabks heaps for the suggestions guys 

Will be getting some second opinions in the new year 

I'm all about learning how to fix things myself. I love seeing how things work and getting into new projects. 

Random question, what's the best way to get the car up and under the engine?

Using car stands, hydraulic trolley jack, car ramp? 

Thanks heaps for the advice. I'll be back with an update 🙂

Edited December 27, 2020 by Chippps

[campbeam]

2 hours ago, Chippps said:

Random question, what's the best way to get the car up and under the engine?

Using car stands, hydraulic trolley jack, car ramp? 

I have found that using car ramps is the easiest and best to get the car off the ground with sufficient clearance to be able to do an oil change or an inspection. Just have to be careful that you do not drive over the top of the ramps. 

I am mainly using the hydraulic trolley jacks when I am removing a wheel.

Later today, I will be using a combination of car stands and hydraulic jacks when replacing the rear struts. 

[Chippps]

3 hours ago, campbeam said:

I have found that using car ramps is the easiest and best to get the car off the ground with sufficient clearance to be able to do an oil change or an inspection. L

Absolute legend.... That's all I'm looking to do at the moment is have a look around

[Hiro]

9 hours ago, Chippps said:

Thabks heaps for the suggestions guys 

Will be getting some second opinions in the new year 

I'm all about learning how to fix things myself. I love seeing how things work and getting into new projects. 

Random question, what's the best way to get the car up and under the engine?

Using car stands, hydraulic trolley jack, car ramp? 

Thanks heaps for the advice. I'll be back with an update 🙂

If I'm not doing anything with the suspension then I use a low-profile trolley jack on the front tow-hook to lift the whole front-end up, and then jack-stands on the front subframe just next to where the control arms attach (to allow the wheels to droop).  If I'm working on the suspension I don't like having the stand right near where the control arm attaches so will usually either do one corner at a time (which can be annoying with the anti-roll bars) or support the body rather than the subframe.  Don't have any ramps but they could be useful for ordinary engine  maintenance like oil/coolant changes or exhaust work.

Whatever you do, don't use normal jack-stands along the side-sills (where you would jack the car up with a scissor-jack by the side of the road), you'll crush/bend the pinch-weld.  If you want to support the body away from the suspension then either use a jack-stand which has the notch to fit around the pinch-weld, or support the body via the pressed chassis rail just further inboard.

[Chippps]

Awesome thanks for the suggestion... I'm enjoying learning so much

Appreciate all the help everyone 

Edited December 28, 2020 by Chippps

[Chippps]

Heh guys, where is the part of the forums to ask for mechanic recommendations in Brisbane? 

[Tony Prodigy]

11 minutes ago, Chippps said:

Heh guys, where is the part of the forums to ask for mechanic recommendations in Brisbane? 

Hey C. There isn't a specific forum for such a request, but you can put the word out here, which you've already done, or go to General Toyota & Other Car Discussions and post there so people outside the sub forums can also see your request. I don't live in Queensland so I can't offer any but there are plenty other guys up your way that will hopefully chime in soon.

[Chippps]

Thanks heaps Tony

[Chippps]

So ive manages to replace the dizzy o-ring... Thanks to you guys for the help!!! 

I've got a couple more queries if thats okay. NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PLACE TO ASK. 

* Rocker cover gasket is next... With the Permatex RTV Silicone Gasket Maker - do I just cover the whole gasket outline with the silicone? 

www.permatex.com/products/gasketing/ultra-series-gasket-makers/permatex-ultra-black-maximum-oil-resistance-rtv-silicone-gasket-maker-4/

The last mechanic advised the following also needs done... Any opinions on whether I should do it myself or get a mechanic to do it? 

* Replace leaking wheel cylinders and clean / service rear brake assemblies

* Brake fluid flush and change of full braking system

* Automatic transmission flush service

You guys are amazing thanks for any advice and help 😁

Edited May 8, 2021 by Chippps