Heavy shake in steering wheel related to rpm or load--intermittant Options

[slo8012]

I am posting this here, but it may belong somewhere else..if so I apologize.

I have a 1995 GT hatchback automatic that has an intermittent steering wheel shake at times on the highway. It happens sometimes when I am cruising at about 80mph and either release cruise control or back off the gas because of traffic ahead. I notice some vibration in the steering wheel, and if I give it slight throttle (2-3k rpms @60-65mph) the wheel will shake violently and pull to the left. If I give it more gas (5k rpms) the shaking becomes a vibration and calms down somewhat. If I stop, the problem goes away for a while but comes back intermittently.

I replaced the struts 2 years ago, and had the timing belt replaced last year.

I have had the tires rotated and balanced.
I have had the brakes inspected, and while I need new front brake pads and rotors, the rotors are not blued or warped and the pistons are operating normally.
I have had it jacked up and all the suspension components feel tight, nothing is loose.
There is a little play in the driver's side axle coming out of the transmission both in and out and radially, but I still have all my transmission fluid and it is not discolored.

Right now it is sitting at a dealership, and they say that all 4 motor mounts are bad, with aprox $1k to fix it from them. Add this to the $300 brake job and I might be looking to sell my car instead. The paint is failed and there are dings in every corner.

1) First of all, could bad motor mounts cause this problem?

2) Is changing the motor mounts something that a reasonably mechanical (not expert) person like me could do? (I have changed all four struts and followed one of the CAI postings on here to replace my intake with bent mandrel tubing, but I doubt that I could handle an engine swap or turbo installation)

3) if it is not the motor mounts, what can I do if the dealer can't make the problem happen while they are driving, or what else can I investigate to solve the problem?

Thank you,

Derek

[eMrock32]

I can see motor mounts do that if they are completely toast. Motor mounts I would rate at a moderate difficulty. Some are super easy, some are in uber tight spots that you need the right set of tools to reach. I personally can't recall what the celica ones look like. But I'm guessing one motor, and 2 transmission? I can look it up though. Its not worth dropping 1000 on. That's ridiculous. It has to be super duper hard for that kind of money.

I work at a shop, so I'll look at my program tonight. I can prolly send you screen shots of removal and installation if you want.

[Bitter]

It could be a bad axle joint.

[blockustomz]

Sounds like the mounts.. Mounts are not that hard but you will just need some jacks under the engine to support. There may be info on this already on here or youtube..

If you decried to not do it your self the next option is to leave the dealership.. I mean stealership.. Find a mom and pops.. a grand for motor mounts is a rip off.. do it your self acouple hundred bucks..

[RabidTRD]

The mounts are cheap and not very hard to replace. Only the rear one is the hard one and I forget who, but someone on here replaced it super quick and took a video. $1000 is them insulting you honestly. Tell them to f-off and go find a real shop.

[ILoveMySilly97]

That's a bummer. Mounts aren't complicated to change. Its more time consuming.

[slo8012]

Thank you all so much for the encouragement! I will be trying this on my own or using a local place that I usually go to for everything. (I was traveling and had to drop it off at the dealer instead of where I usually go). I have access to a floor jack and jack stands so I should be able to follow the instructions. I have been a long-time lurker in the community and I really appreciate the positive response. I will search harder on the site for instructions and I might even document the process myself

I begin to limp it 100 miles home very soon, so wish me luck!

(by limp i mean baby it and not go fully highway speeds)

Thank you,

Derek

This post has been edited by slo8012: Feb 20, 2014 - 1:46 PM