Expert: Roland Finston - 7/2/2011

Question
Roland
I bought a1990 lebaron for my daughter about a month ago. I had a digital dash issue right off the bat that you helped me with through a friend.   I have a new issue very strange one.  Car is idling poorly at times sometimes it will start right up no idle issues. Other times it stalls while still in park will start up again but need to give it more gas (rev it in park).  It will still be rough but once you get going runs great.  Seems like it is missing or having trouble getting gas.  However now every time I take a right turn it dies.  Engine only electrical stays on.  Starts back up in nuetral.  Stays rough until I get going.  The other issue that started at the same time was a clunking noise coming from the front end. Seems like front left can't pinpoint exactly where.  At first it would just clunk and be fine. Now there is a slight to moderate vibration or wobble when moving.  The wobble seems to go away when you move the steering a little to the left.  Seems like all the issues are related but not sure.

Answer
Hi Scott,
I wonder whether you might have a constant velocity joint that has dried out due to the boot being torn and spinning out the grease. Then when you turn the wheel significantly the joint is mechanically binding. So look at the outer and inner cv boots on both side half axles and see if either is torn open. Another possiblity is that one of the engine mounts has fatigued and causing the engine to shift enough to tweek some other necessary control wire/hose which causes a stall out. The last item to check would be the egr valve which may not be closing tightly when the engine is idling which will cause a too lean mixture to sustain the idle. Which engine (L) do you have in the vehicle?
Roland