I've got a 92 Spirit, 4D, with about 105k on the 2.5L mitsu engine. i had a problem where, when accelerating, the front right on the car shakes like there's a lump on the tires. i took it to a shop, who told me there was a "problem in the drivetrain", and it would cost 750+ to fix.

it's no longer my daily driver, but was a good car, and i'd like to keep it if possible- it has a (slightly) better highway ride then my other car for long trips (as well as four doors and cruise). it's also a good parts-running car.

any ideas? i'd like to get it repaired as inexpensivly as possible.

thanks.

is it a quick shake that increases in speed with acceleration or is it a shake that happens when you take off?

a quick shake that increases with speed

Hmm...it might be motor mounts or the like. Get a second opinion, or even a third or fourth before spending loads of money on a possibly wrong solution.

It could be the CV joint on that side. However, I wouldn't take that mechanics word for it. I would ask him exactly what is wrong with it.

I have the same problem!! I own a 93' Dodge Spirit with a 2.5L. It just hit 108k miles.. but has had the problem since about 106k. Sadly its my only car I have to drive. It also makes the weird vibrations in the front end of the car like a rumble. (almost like an earthquake) My stepdad told me it probally had something to do with the transmission. Thats what I thought was wrong with it also but I am not positive, b.c i lack knowledge in cars. I really hope this isn't serious even though it sounds serious. If anyone has any ideas of what the problem could be or the cheapest route to go in this case please reply thanks!!

Dustin

I've never heard of a transmission problem like that from a Chrysler. I'm no expert, but it sounds to me more like an alignment, tire, wheel, or suspension problem. A bad alignment can cause severe vibrations at varying speeds.

Do get a second opinion, go with the mechanic when he test drives your car. I let customers go with me on test drives, and learn a little about exactly what they're complaining about. Note: from just your brief description I would say it's your inner CV joint on the right side. replace the whole shaft it's the same cost as rebuilding just the inner joint and you'll have a warranty on the part. It is NOT tires, motor mounts, or least of all alignment. there is a slight chance that the differential bearings are going bad( lost their pre-load) but this is unlikely. have someone else reputable look at it.

Sorry, correction: a bad motor mount could have caused the CV to go bad. Correct the cause not just the problem.

I just had a mechanic tell me that my front motor mount was worn and I should replace it. He also told me that it is the reason I am getting the rumblings up in the front of my car when im accelerating. He says its putting a strain on the drive tran and everything. So I am getting it replaced tomarrow.. does this mean i need to get my CV join replaced too? if so how much will this cost ( just the cv joint ) I already bought the front motor mount (which was 16$). Please wbasap. Thanks!!

I'm not suprised the front mount is bad. But, like I said the mount itself is not going to cause rumbling/ vibration like your describing. When you accelerate, it puts a constant load on that front mount which will pin it against mount bracket. Which by the way is simple to replace on your own with minor hand tools. Now the mechanic is somewhat correct...it does put excess stress on the drivetrain components, because of the extreme change in driveshaft geometry, over time it wears out the inner CV joint. The inner CV joint once worn to a certain point develops enough play that it "wobbles" at random. When you hit the gas it jerks into a position of the joint it wasn't intended to spin in and is actually out of balance also. The combination gives you the vibration. As to your other question- just replace the whole shaft, they run approx. 80-100US and will save you a ton of headaches. Besides the guys who can actually rebuild these joints are a dying breed if you can even find the parts anymore.

thanks a lot for all the info guys, i was told by the guy at the shop that it could be 600-700 dollars to repair- he wanted 120 just to look at it. last time i go to that place, they've tried to screw me over a few times already. damn them.

I would go somewhere else, that is far too much. You shouldn't have to pay more than around $100 for the motor mount and installation for a half-shaft is cheap. This guy is trying to take you for a ride.

Thanks everyone for the replys I appreciate the input everyone has put in.. My dad is going to help me replace the mount tomarrow so i don't have to pay any labor fees. Thanks for the quick responds and words of wisdom.. I need it!!

Dustin

While you're into the job make sure you check the rest of the mounts also, the rear bobble strut (shock lookin' thing used as rear mount) of 5-speeds has an inherent tendency to go south real fast too. Especially if the front mount is bad...