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What would cause a 1994 Dodge Spirit to have scrapping sound from the front passenger side wheel but only when turning right and accelerating?

A scraping sound from the front passenger side wheel of a 1994 Dodge Spirit, only when turning right and accelerating, points to a few likely culprits related to the suspension and steering components on that side:

* Outer tie rod end: This is a very common cause. When turning right, the passenger-side outer tie rod is under stress. If it's worn or damaged, it might be scraping against something (the wheel well, a suspension component, or even the tire itself). The acceleration exacerbates the issue as the forces are magnified.

* Ball joint: A worn ball joint on the passenger side will exhibit increased play and could be scraping against something as the wheel is turned and the suspension is compressed under acceleration.

* Brake caliper: A sticking or slightly seized brake caliper piston on the passenger side could be causing the rotor to rub against the caliper bracket. This would likely be more of a grinding or squealing sound, but if something is scraping against a slightly warped rotor, it could present as a scraping sound and be worse during turning and acceleration. This is less likely, as brake issues are usually present regardless of turning direction.

* Suspension components (control arm bushings, sway bar links): Worn bushings or damaged sway bar links on the passenger side could allow excessive movement, leading to parts scraping against each other, particularly under the stress of turning and accelerating.

* Wheel bearing (less likely): While wheel bearing issues typically present as a humming or rumbling sound, a severely damaged bearing could exhibit scraping, but it's less likely to be isolated to right turns and acceleration.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the front passenger side suspension and steering components. Look for any obvious signs of damage, wear, loose parts, or anything that looks out of place. Pay close attention to the outer tie rod end, ball joint, and brake caliper. You might need to jack up the car safely and use jack stands.

2. Steering and Suspension Play: With the car safely jacked up, try to move the wheel in different directions. Look and feel for excessive play in the outer tie rod end and ball joint.

3. Brake Caliper Inspection: Examine the brake caliper for signs of sticking or binding. You may need to use a wrench to try and move the caliper piston (with caution and appropriate safety measures).

4. Professional Inspection: If you're not comfortable performing these checks, take the car to a mechanic for a thorough inspection. They will have the tools and expertise to properly diagnose the problem.

It's crucial to address this issue promptly. Continuing to drive with a scraping sound can lead to more serious and costly damage to your vehicle's components.