vernk

my GF brother is looking at getting a car I came across a 97 I 30 for $1800 but guy said that it has a "wooble" in the front due to a CV shaft and needs O2 sensors and has 186,000 on it.
1. would a bad CV cause a "wooble" when mine was bad in my 87 max it was a vibration.
2. does that have 2 or 3 O2 sensors
3. is there anything else I should look for when looking at it?
4. would it be worth it for a guy that know very little about cars
5. does the the VTCs have the same issue as in the max (clicking)

and any other useful info would be nice

Daniel1120

iTrader: (1)

Is he talking about a steering wobble? A bad axle should not cause a steering wobble, while driving straight. A steering wobble could indicate a lot of problems. Like a bad wheel bearing, bad ball joints, bad tie rods, or bad control arm bushings. Be sure to thouroghly inspect the suspension components. I cant remember off the top of my head about how many O2 sensors. Make damn sure you verify the check engine light works, it should illuminate for about 5 seconds after start up. Also be sure to have the codes pulled using a code scanner, there could be problems which dont set DTC's. Be sure to check for oil leaks around both valve covers, and the timing chain cover. If the engine was pretty recently cleaned and hosed down under the hood then avoid that car like the plague. For 1800, its not THAT bad. But with needing O2 sensors and suspension components it could get real expensive, especially if he doesn't work on cars himself. On the other hand, if a thourough inspection reveals only minor issues, and he is slightly mechanically inclined, then go for it.

Mjwompf

I got a 96 I30. There are 3 O2 sensors, 2 before the catalytic converter for each cylinder bank and one after the cat. In all honesty O2 sensors are not too hard to reaplace. They do run about 100 dollars a sensor but it's just having the tool to removing it and screwing one out and screwing one back in. I would look for leaks Valve cover Gasket, Power steering, Rear and Front Main Seals. The Transmission usually doesn't have too many problems leaking. But you can never be too sure. Like Daniel was saying about the suspension check the obvious stuff and a good way to tell the if the suspension is pretty old is to look at the dust boots and see if they are worn on the struts.

vernk

Thanks, yea I didn't go for it, I don't have the time to fix it for him and lack a torch to get the O2s out (have the socket)