I have a 2003 Chevy Cavalier with over 100k miles! It keeps getting problems, most of which I suppose are normal with the amount of miles it has. The most recent problems are:

1) When I drive it it makes noise that comes from the front and sounds like it's the tires. It almost sounds like I could have a flat, but it comes from either side sometimes and is a lot quieter then when having a flat. It also sounds like a tire hitting a mud flap, except I don't have mud flaps. Any suggestions on what I should have looked at or what it could be?

2) The other problem ismaybe engine related or in the fuel system. I already had a new fuel pump put it less than a year ago, and I have also just got a new battery for the first time. It feels funny when I drive it, and I know that's not a good description, but it shakes a little when idling and it's power seems to have dropped.The other day itfelt like it almost died when I backed out of the driveway. It seems to shutter a lot more. Is theresomething I can do about this or something that needs fixed?

Thanksfor thehelp!

 

I would start by checking the tires pressure, condition of the tires, and then check the front end make sure nothing is loose. As for the running problem...when's the last time you have a tune-up? Spark plugs, ign wires, throttle body cleaner, air filter, fuel filter, injector cleaner?

 

Thanks for the response. I still have to check the tires and the front. I'm pretty sure its not the tires, they aren't the original and I fill them up often. As for the other stuff, to be honest, I don't know when the last time was that I had a tune-up. I just changed the spark plugs myself because I don't know that they ever had been, but the old ones didn't look bad, so I figured that had nothing to do with the problem. It's an ecotec 2.2, so I don't see wires. The other stuff you suggested sounds good and I'll try to get to that this weekend, assuming I can afford it all, and hopefully that'll make a difference. Thanks!

 

might be a vacuum leak. Use a vacuum gauge to see what it is pulling, you can also hear them a lot of the times. What you really need is a obd2 scanner that has the ability to read real time fuel trims, MAP sensor, and O2 readings.

Jack the car up and check the bushings, ball joints, tie-rods, tire wear, and anything that might be loose. Try to be more specific with what sound it is making and I might be able to give a more direct answer.