1994 Dodge Spirit Suspension Problems

“For over a year, we kept hearing a metal on metal thunking noise. No one has been able to diagnose it. Two days ago, when returning home, we heard a loud metallic thunking noise that was much worse than previously heard. It sounded like we were dragging a tail pipe or muffler. Yet, we found nothing under the car. When we got home, we jacked up the car to see if we would find the source of the noise. The Dodge Spirit is a front wheel drive vehicle that uses a solid rear axle assembly that consists of a metal v shaped channel crossmember with a torque tube that runs through the middle of it. …”

“Refer to page 2-50 in 1994 Spirit service manual I have photo of the cracked torque tube or rod which is a tube that is welded where it passes thru a hole in each end plate (to which the wheels are attached) of the rear axle. The crack was three inches from the left end plate. The crack was circumferential and showed rust. My dealer major Dodge ran a report and would not repair at no charge saying that all warantees had no coverage for this”

“Consumer was slowing down and vehicle was wobbling. Consumer pulled over, took a look, didn't see anything, and continued driving. Consumer traveled at 65mph, the faster she drove less it seemed to wiggle. Consumer went to dealer to have vehicle checked out, and it was left outer front half shaft. Part was wiggling and rubbing metal on metal. Mechanic stated it was a common problem, like brake pad.”