Took 1997 Dodge Intrepid 3.5L in to mechanic to have it checked for heavy clunk / thump from front suspension area and found that it needed:

All upper and lower bushings on crossmember replaced - $350 Labor $450 Parts
Lower Ball joints..arms worn - lower control arm replaced - $275 Labor $320 Parts
Left front bearing assembly (loose) replaced - $80 Labor $140 Parts
Steering rack bushings (left) replaced - $450 Labor $100 Parts

Total ~$2200

I think the most pressing issue is the crossmember bushings.

I am not going to have the mechanic fix these as the car is not worth half that, but I was wondering if these could be done by someone who is somewhat mechanically inclined (I have done simple jobs like replaces fuel pump, fix inner tie rod bushing). Otherwise, I guess I will be looking for another car.

Any hints/help on how to fix this?

Thanks,

Matt

 

I guess I need to make this more specific.

How do I replace the crossmember bushings on a 1997 Dodge Intrepid 3.5L and where do I get the bushings?

Thanks,

Matt

 

Dealer only parts, and from what I heard, the engine d/n have to be pulled, only jacked up enough to replace them one set at a time. I have not tried this myself though.

 

I have done this, it is fairly easy. the bushings are two pieces, they slide together, one on top and one on bottom. the only trouble I had, was one of the nuts spun inside the frame. I had to cut an access hole to get a wrench on it, then welded closed. These are dealer items, around $90.00 a piece.

 

I've seen them sold on ebay. They were listed as subframe bushings. If I remember right....they were an improvement over the factory ones. And yes, the things you need to replace are pretty easy on this car. Thats one of the many things I like about this car.

 

Thanks for the replies

Do you know where I should place the jacks when I replace the subframe/crossmember bushings?

 

Just make sure you do one at a time and all will be smooth. I placed mines just behind the firewall, as if I was changing a tire. I didn't want it under the subframe because as I loosen the bushings...I wanted the weight of the engine to break the rust sealed bushings apart. Then I took another jack (you could do this with one jack) and jacked the frame back up to tighten the new one. You may have to pry them out a little because of the rust. The engine should do most of it for you. Hope this helps you out. Be safe!

 

if you decide not to fix the intrepid
let me know bro...ill take the engine cradle of your 1997 intrepid...

 

Got the bushings on..thanks all for your help. I used the bushings from polybushings.com The rear mounts were rusted together so I had to sawzall them off and order some salvaged ones from polybushings.com (great place to work with).

Thanks again

 

Here is what I did guy's and I didn't have any issues at all. I used one jack and centered it between the front and rear subframe. I hade my Wife to jack it up enough to know I had the weight of it. I removed the front and rear bolt and had her slowly let it down until I could remove the upper bushing on both front and rear. I replaced with new bushings (Dorman pt # 924-001) @ the tune of $57.99 each @ Orielys. As she jacked it up it helped to push the new bushings in. Then I replaced the lower bushings and bolts and torqued to specs. I repeated the same process on the passenger side and all went smooth without any problems. from start to finish 1 hr. 15 min. I hope this helps someone.