Shaking in front end on 97 ES

[Jeep8402]

I have a 97 ES V6 automatic trans and have had nothing but problems with the front end and here is just another one. When I get up around 55mph(not before then) and am accelerating the passenger side shakes. Again, this only happens when I am accelerating. I have replaced the following and have seen no results: upper ball joint, inner tie-rod end, and wheel bearing. I have also rotated my tires just in case it was that. Any ideas? Thanks

[TheStang00]

did u get the tires balanced? also maybe u need an alignment. if they arent or werent alighned right you may have developed flat spots on the tires to, but i dont know how much thatd make it shake, it would humm tho.

[Jeep8402]

I have had the tires balanced but no alignment... this isnt really a humm though, it cant be a pretty rough shaking at times. Not sure what it could be.

[mr.avenger]

Well my mother in laws caravan (i know different car but...) was doing the same thing actually like around corners only turning right and then after 50 starting to accelerate it did it and she had to have her sway bar reconnected becuz they tend to break loose on most cars after awhile and then had an alignment and bam took care of it.. hope this helps...

[Rebsy]

Hey,
I had the same prob on my car. It ended up being the front control arms, along with the tie rods and ball joints. The fron control arms is insanly expensive, but I was lucky to buy mine used with a warranty (which covered it). I was told that if it was not fixed, then eventually I would lose control of my front tires completly. So I really hope that this is not the same with your car, but definatly something that must be checked out.

[Jeep8402]

Originally Posted by Rebsy

Hey,
I had the same prob on my car. It ended up being the front control arms, along with the tie rods and ball joints. The fron control arms is insanly expensive, but I was lucky to buy mine used with a warranty (which covered it). I was told that if it was not fixed, then eventually I would lose control of my front tires completly. So I really hope that this is not the same with your car, but definatly something that must be checked out.

Thanks, that is probably what it is. I still havent fixed it or had it looked at. Might just sell the POS, $2,800 , any takers? Thanks for your help though

[Jeep8402]

Originally Posted by Rebsy

Hey,
I had the same prob on my car. It ended up being the front control arms, along with the tie rods and ball joints. The fron control arms is insanly expensive, but I was lucky to buy mine used with a warranty (which covered it). I was told that if it was not fixed, then eventually I would lose control of my front tires completly. So I really hope that this is not the same with your car, but definatly something that must be checked out.

Before I actually do sell the car I was wondering about a recall in 2000. I saw today that there was a recall on the front control arm lower ball joint or something. If im not the original owner will they still fix the vehicle if it is a recall that was 5 years ago? Just curious

[fiberglasscivic]

Yes they should still fix the vehicle. I would really go see about your allignment. After any major suspension work you should always get an alignment done. If your steering alignment is off pretty bad, then you'll get the problem your having now. I'm pretty sure that's where you're going to find your problem.

[Jthmeffy]

i have the exact same problem! 55-60 + plus acceleration i feel real bad shaking and a rapid knock.. passenger side too... let us know if you get the problem fixed

[Jeep8402]

still havent fixed the Avenger. recently restored my Jeep and havent had time for the Avenger. I am actually trying to sell it right now. I talked to a guy who was looking at it and he seems to think it is a strut. sound like it could be the problem anyone?

[KManiac]

I see you still have the problem. Here is my two-cents:

A bad strut, or should I say, a bad shock element in a strut, could cause the wheel assembly to bounce up and down while you are driving. This would be made better or worce depending on the bumpiness of the road. This would happen if you were accelerating or not.

Have you checked the condition of your CV joints? A bad CV joint will cause the car to shake either under steady acceleration or steady engine braking, or both. It may go away at steady car speed.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

[TheStang00]

I had a simular problem on my ranger... check your ball joints... It could be that, and thats not a good thing to ignore.

[growe58]

Chiming in about the lower control arms on the front, you can check if the recall was already done here:

http://www-5.dodge.com/webselfservic...m%28%27R%27%29

(If you have trouble accessing the link, go to www.dodge.com and search for recalls. Or call your local dealers service dept, give them the VIN and they can tell you if it was done.)

I had the same problem at 99,000 miles. The recall only called for replacing the control arms if the wear was "outside tolerance". Otherwise a "special" sealant was used to prevent future wear. If the "special" sealant was applied, then the recall was considered complete and if the control arm wears out later, well too bad.

I got lucky and found one control arm for $39 including shipping on ebay. The other one was available from my local auto parts store for $91 which is pricey, but not insanely expensive. I also found them on line for $71, but by the time shipping was added, it was easier just to buy them locally.

I was surprised at how easy the control arms were to install. Usually suspension work can be a PITA trying to line up bolt holes while everything is under tension. This was a pretty easy job if you want to do it yourself. I did have to buy a 22mm (or was it 23mm?) combination wrench to remove the bolt holding the balljoint to the spindle but that big wrench looks really manly hanging from the pegboard in my garage.

Good luck!

[TheStang00]

^^ shoot i completely forgot about that recall... but i dont drive an avenger so i dont pay attention to avenger racalls very much, but yeah check that out.

[nick bamberger]

Maybe strut mount.