Thanks for reading.

Yesterday, under the advice of my mechanic, I had the transmission flushed at about 72,000 miles. Today, my car makes a disturbing rumbling noise whenever it's shifted into reverse. I have no problems besides the rumbling and vibration. It still shift smoothly, drives like a champ with no slipping. Is this a big problem, or is it something easily rectified with an anti-shudder transmission additive?

Also, been reading up on some other issues. I also have the NVH problem with the front. My mechanic showed me that it's loose plates that are supposed to be heat shields sitting on either side of the front axle. Would removing these cause any problems, or do I just have to put up with the racket?

I've been told that if you take care of them, these cars are really good cars, but the bills are starting to rack up. With an oil leak to fix, a radiator hose to be replaced, plus normal maintenance still coming up, I don't know how much more care I can afford. Should I dump this car in favor of something else, or am I almost through a rough patch?

Again, thanks for reading.

 

The noise in reverse is probably the rear motor mount. Sometimes dirt or other debris gets lodged in there. Other times they need to be replaced. The shields on the front should protect the power steering lines on the rack. Oil leak is probably the valve cover gasket, about $20-30 if you do the install. Radiator hose is simple also.