QuestionHi. 2004 Kia Optima 4 cylinder with 77k miles. Midas incorrectly installed timing belt which damaged engine. They admitted mistake and replaced cyclinder head at no cost.
I have vehicle back now. It seems to operate OK but I have noticed a couple things, and I was wondering if they should cause me any concern.
The engine is a bit louder than it used to be. It growls a bit more. I have been checking my RPMs and they seem to be normal, but it just is a bit louder at the same RPMs than before the repair. It also accelerates a bit slower than it used to. And when I am on highway at over 60 mph, I can feel a slight vibration that was not there previously. I can feel it in the gas pedal and when I look in the rear view mirror, it is noticeable the mirror is vibrating. This does not occur below 60 mph.
I am not eager to bring the car back in and wait for more repairs, but if these are signs of a significant problem, I need to know so I can take that step. If it is nothing more than a mild annoyance, I can live with it. Please let me know what you think. Thanks much!!!
AnswerCheck your tachometer next time you notice the vibration. Then try to recreate it by revving the engine to that rpm while in park. If you have the same vibration, it's from the engine. In such a case, the front balance shaft is most likely mistimed.
On the other hand, if you cannot recreate the vibration when stopped, it is more likely coming from the wheels/tires.
