QuestionQUESTION: My car drives fine but when I accelerate over about 15 it feels as if a tire is loose, specifically the front left one more than the right front. My friend told me it would probably be the wheel bearings and that I would need them replaced. Also, my driver door won't latch. It was hit on the front left side which bent the hindges so to shut it you have to life and push really really hard and sometimes it doesn't even latch so how would I fix that? And can you tell me how much it would cost to replace them. And should I not drive on it till then?
Thank You.
ANSWER: Hi Rachael,
More likely is the possibility that the outer cv-joint on the half-axle of the left side is worn out. That shows itself as vibration and often clicking, usually upon acceleration rather than when coasting. On the other hand, a wheel bearing makes a humming sound, more pronounced when you are turning rather than when going straight, and not so much dependent upon acceleration.
Either way you would want to fix the problem before something seizes and breaks violently which could cause a loss of control of the vehicle. Go to a wheel alignment shop and ask them to evaluate the problem.
The door damage would be best fixed by an autobody shop. But to get a good deal you will want to search around for a shop with lower hourly costs. One thing you might try in the interim is to move the stiker in the door frame which is what mates with the door latch. It is held in place by a couple of screws which when loosened allow you to move the latch, in this case try lowering it to the position which best mates to the door as it closes now. You may be able to make it easier to close and latch until you can get the hinges/door structure repaired. Just loosen the screws enough to move the striker but not have it loose, then try it in the lowest position and look closely as you bring the door to mate with and observe the interconnection line up. Make slight adjustments until you do the best you can.
Tell me the year/make/model/body style and I can be more specific. If you have tools or a friend with tools it may be possible to do the work yourself on the wheel issue.
Roland
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It is a 1993 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible. Can you help me out more?
AnswerHi Rachael,
The info in my answer is applicable but thanks for the specification. If you want to take a look underneath on the left side from under the bumper, see if you can spot the accordian-like rubber boot on the half-axle where it enters the wheel housing. If the boot is torn then that is a good indication that the cv-joint inside of it is what is vibrating. Other than that, a shop will want to listen/inspect to see what is wrong on that left side. Once you know, let me know if you want specifics for the repair. But first is the diagnosis. On the door, go to the yahoo autos group called TheChryslerLeBaronClub and search for 'door hinges' and see what other owners have to say about that repair.
Roland
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