My 2000 Intrigue problems

[Crazace]

I have the 3.5l with 128k on it now. I just drove it from south florida to central Ohio in a straight shot today. So I got all the problems through out the day today that have been going on for a while.

The first is a shutter for a second or two that shakes the whole car when the motor is doing between 1500 and 1750rpm and is under some stress, like going up a hill. No codes are being thrown and I've had the plugs done last winter. Could this be the MAF sensor?

The other three are suspension noises and shaking. I get the clunking noise if I rock the steering wheel back in forth without moving. I sprayed grease in there, it seemed to help a little. Should I have the lube kit done?

Then it makes a popping (just once, not multiple popping) when the load on the front has different pressure on it, normally when im going slow turning and or up into a driveway i hear that.

The last one happens while driving, it feels like the front end is loose almost. The car stays really straight if i let go of the wheel. But if I pull to the left just a bit theres a thumping sounds that shakes the steering wheel and the car(I think).

Thanks in advance! Depending on the cost it might be time to start looking at something newer

[Crazace]

Cleaned off the MAF sensor today. Also the turn signal was burned up, so I had to clean the contacts on that. I'm thinking that noise when I turn to the left a little is a CV joint.

Does anyone have any advice?

[dtownfb]

I no longer have my 2000 Intrigue (178k miles when traded in) but I will chime in until the others come.

1) The shudder is most likely the pressure solenoid in the transmission. Very common on the Intrigue. It happens when the engine is warm but is irregular. Some have had luck by changing the transmission fluid and adding Lucas tranny conditioner. Mine experieinced it as well over the past 2 years I had my Intrigue. It never got worst.

2) Most likely the Intermediate steering shaft. You can get the lube kit done at the dealership. I greased the the shaft myself using a silicone spray. Basically get as far under the dashboard as possible. follow the steering shaft into the firewall and you wil feel a rubber sheath covering the shaft and a knuckle which connects the steering wheel to the steering mechanism in the engine bay. This knuckle is what you want to grease with the spray. Pull the rubber sheath as far as possible and try to spray as much silicone grease as possible into the knuckle. It should fix about 90% of the vibrating.

3) & 4) Get the suspension looked at. At your mileage it could be a CV joint, tie rods or wheel bearings.

[Crazace]

I clean the MAF sensor myself, I'll see if that helps anything. The car was dropped off at the shop this morning. The tie rods were to the point were you could push up on them and it could of popped out. I got that fixed for $175. Also said the steering rack was loose, so he tightned that.

Then the bushings on the control arms were shot. He was thinking we would have to get all new arms at $160 a piece just to get the bushings, but whatever he ordered worked out to were he could just get the bushings. I'll keep you posted on the cost of that (its alot cheaper than the whole arms).