Hello Sir Scotty,
We bought a used Toyota matrix 2006 XR FWD, unfortunately the seller was dishonest and said that the car is in good condition. We had to replace its engine after 1-2 months of purchasing it. After 3 months with new engine we needed to change both of the front shock absorbers because the car is having loud clunking noise when driving into uneven road especially on bumps. Then our car suddenly had P0420 code, we brought the car to our mechanic again then they said that our catalytic converter needs to be replaced. However, they were suggesting a cheaper way to get rid of the code and it’s by deleting the catalytic converter. And now on my front passenger side the outer tire rod end and ball joint boot is leaking grease because the rubber have small cracks. My car also needs full brakes jobs in all four brakes. I’m not sure if I should just sell my car or keep it, but if I sell it I will surely need to resolve the clunking noise that is coming from the front suspension. I hope you can give me some tips on how to find out of what really is causing the clunking noise.
Thank you.
How many miles is on the car, and what mechanic did you bring it to?
First off, push down on the front corner of the car and see if it bounces, or just goes back up nice and easy. Do that for both sides, listen for clunking. If needed, you could get a set of KYB strut plus for the front, I just had them installed on my matrix and they are great. You have not replaced the struts in the front yet, right?
Next p0420, how did the mechanic verify it needed a cat? I would check the O2 sensors, and see if either are having an issue, it could be that. It could also be a leak. I would not be messing with the cat until I was really sure that was it. Mine threw that code about two weeks ago, I cleared it and have been checking it out, but the issue has not trigger the check engine light again. No loss of power, and engine running great.
Do you have rear drum brakes? Have you taken a look at the brake pads yourself? The list of issues makes me suspicious.
What happened to your engine that you needed to replace it, and who replaced it?
I would check for play in the tie rods before changing them, and sadly a crooked mechanic could put oil on the boot and claim it needs changing.
Did you get a list of maintenance from the previous owner before you bought it?
Hello,
The car has 100,150 miles and unfortunately the mechanics already changed both struts.
I think the mechanic’s explanation about needing the catalytic converter replaced was because the catalytic is so clogged up that’s why the 02 sensors cannot sense anything which caused the P0420.
Yes my car have rear drum brakes, I haven’t take a look at my brake pads myself.
Regarding my engine replacement, this is what my mechanic said, “Recommend to change engine. Engine has noise coming from the valve train and the head gasket is leaking.
There is a leak also coming from the rear crankshaft seal and torque converter seal.
Outer Axle boot on front driver side is broken that cause the grease to leak and create noise on suspension.”
And I didn’t get any list of maintenance from the previous owner. I think that the previous owner didn’t take a good care to the car.
What did he change the struts with? What brand, and were they a quick strut that is a complete package?
Yes the struts were quick struts.
Is it normal that I can’t turn my wheel easily when it is jacked up and on park with hand brake? Is it also normal that there’s a gap between the wheel hub and wheel studs?
Thank you.