Parts Question

TBiddonZ · #1 09-19-2004, 01:31 PM

I own a 1992 Mitsu Eclipse RS with about 140,000 miles on it. I recently had my axle shaft replaced because it was bent by the car's previous owner. This past Thursday night, my left front wheel and tire came off of the car while I was driving. I was lucky enough to pull over easily and escape unharmed and happened to be across the street from a Mobil station when this happened. Talking with the guys at Mobil I found out that I may only need to put the wheel back on and that could be the end of the problem. The assumption is that the people that replaced my shaft did not put the wheel back on tight enough and in doing so caused the lugs and wheel to come off while I was driving. I am posting this to ask if anyone knows what type of parts I would need to put the wheel back on (I have the rim, but lost the parts to attach it to the axle). Also I was told that I would be charged at least $50 for the wheel to be put back on along with additional costs for the parts needed in order to do so and possible added costs for additional damage that may have happened during the short time I rode on 3 wheels (about 50 feet distance). Is that a reasonable price?

macder · #2 09-19-2004, 10:13 PM

Hard to tell what part u need unless looking at the car, but if your wheel riped of you will most likely need new tie rods(inner and outter), lower control arm w/ball joint, possible new bearing. You most likely will need new CV joint and CV boot. You probably damaged you brake rotor if your wheel completely fell off while driving. Now i may be wrong, but if you do need parts, try local scrap yards and try to get full assembely pieces. Keep in mind if you see any Eagle Talons of the same year, they have the same parts but will probably run you cheaper. Oh yea, i would suggest buying new tie rods for both sides if you have the budget, cause having new tie rods on one side and old on the other is not to good, but you can still get by.

TBiddonZ · #3 09-21-2004, 12:52 AM

I spoke with the Mitsubishi offices and they told me that I basically have to get in contact with a dealer to get the info I need, I will post thr basics of what they say and hope that any of you Eclipse veterans would be able to confirm that they're not trying to get over on me.

macder · #4 09-21-2004, 12:56 AM

You never have to goto the dealer, goto a few mechanics and see what they say, dealer will only use original OEM parts which are 2.5 times as expensive. Not really worth for a 12 year old car, get aftermarket or scrap yard parts