2001 Intrigue left front bounce only durind acceleration

[jubil22]

It only bounces during acceleration. I have replaced the tires, had an alignment done, replaced the outer tie rod end and still can't figure it out.
Anyone have this problem before and if so, what did you do to correct it? Thanks in advance for any help.

[jubil22]

Could it be a motor mount problem?

[gmtech1]

Not really sure about the description, could have a worn inner c/v joint causing a wobble type of feel.

[jubil22]

It could be a wobble. It only does it during acceleration, and only on the left/passenger side. If we are going down hill or just cruising along it is fine but as soon as I accelerate the wobble/bounce/shake starts. when I replaced the outer left tie rod end, it seemed to help but only for a short time.

This is the first car I've owned that has has so many problems, one after another, windows not working, ignition switch problems, warning light galore. I bought the car with only 20,000 miles on it and by 50,000 the problems started.
I've been able to keep up and fix most problems on my own, but this peticular wobble problem is starting to wear on me, and right now I'm not in the position to spend several hundreds taking it to a shop, so any help is greatly appreciated.
Sorry for the rant.

[gmtech1]

No problem with the rant, lol. You need to "shake down" the ft end, basically make sure everything is tight, tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, ect..., yes a mount could cause this, but most times I have run into this condition it has been a inner cv joint (tri-pot joint). Reman axles come with both joints and are cheaper than just the joint alone.

[jubil22]

I really do thank you for your help. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and at least try to do all of the work myself. Do you think this is something that I can do at home or are there specialty tools involved?
Thanks again, Mike

[gmtech1]

Yes, can be done at home, need a jack and stands. Axle nut will be tough to get off, ball joint may be hard to seperate and axle shaft may be hard to get out of the hub. Use a prybar to seperate the axle shaft from the trans, have a drain pan ready for fluid loss when axle is removed. If you youtube the repairs, I'm sure there is a video out there.

[jubil22]

I just replaced both hubs so it should still be easy to get the shaft out of the hub. I have a bearing fork I can use to get the shaft out of the tranny. I assume it will be transmission fluid that will spill when I remove the shaft?

The one part I'm worried about is, the steering knuckle. Most of the things Ive been reading say the steering knuckle needs to be removed. Do you know a way around that or can you tell me the tool I need to separate that part? I would just call the local auto parts store and ask them, but they have lead me down the wrong path too many times.
Your help has been awesome. Thanks again, Mike

Oh, by the way, the axle was much cheaper than I thought. Just the outer tie rod end was $65.00. A brand new(not reman.) axle with both joints was $69.00 at O'Rielly. Go figure?

[gmtech1]

No need to remove the knuckle. With the ball joint seperated, you can pull the knuckle out enough and turn it to allow for enough room to get the axle out. If the brake line is attatched to the body, you may need to take that mounting bolt out so you do not damage the brake line.

[jubil22]

I was hoping you would say that. I just replaced that ball joint so it should come out easy.
Thanks again.

[jubil22]

Thanks gmtech1 for all of the help. I just successfully put the new axle on my 2001 intrigue in about 1 1/2 hours. While I was at it I put in a new blower fan which was much more of a pain in the butt than the axle. Did both in 2 1/2 hours. Thanks again, Mike