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Suspension question


heist454
01-03-2005, 11:09 AM
I am having a strange problem with my 1995 Dodge Intrepid. When I am moving at highway speed (50+ MPH) if I take a curve to the left, the entire car begins to rock from side to side. However, when taking a curve to the right, the car is fine. I am pretty sure this has something to do with the suspension, but does anyone have any ideas what the specific problem could be? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

LMP
01-03-2005, 02:57 PM
Several possibilities, but most related to known frequent probable causes typical of that car, but first.....check tire pressure..easy things first....then:
1- lower ball joint on the right: would most often be accompanied by unstablke directional control even in straight line
2- worn rubber bushings on lower rifht suspension arm, either at the frame attachment or at the traction bar linkage: if such, just have someone look at the wheel when you take off a little then brake; no need to be violent: one will see the wheel move forward and backwards in the wheel well. THis (traction bar bushings) is most often accompanied by cling-clong when braking and in turns. Check for this on the left side also.
3- right rear wheel bearing.

Other possibilities that would show other symptoms that would have anoyed you before:
front right wheel bearing: you would hear a humming sound that increases when turning left and diminishes to almost nil when turning right.
worn out tie rod end: you would hear frequent cling-clong in small bumps and at low speed

....All of these easily changed by sunday mechanics with a minimal but correct too complement....except front bearing: you need 1 5/16" socket..mmm may be for the rear bearing too...

heist454
01-03-2005, 03:11 PM
I haven't heard any cling-clong noises or humming noises. But I will check all of these possibilities. Thanks!

coalminer
01-05-2005, 03:16 PM
I dont know if this would have anything to do with it, but I remember reading somewhere about a recall on the Intrepids where they had to install a reinforcement bracket to where the lower control arm attaches to the frame.

From what you are saying, if that car did not get serviced in that recall and the bracket had broken loose, you would get something similar to what you are experiencing.

heist454
01-06-2005, 08:01 AM
I will have to look into that. Do you know how I can find out if the previous owner had any of the recalls serviced?

coalminer
01-06-2005, 08:31 AM
The easiest way would be to call your local Dodge dealer, they can search by your vin number and find out if that recall had been done to your car.

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