a friend of my girlfriend had some work done on a 93' cutlass supreme 3.4L v6 for engine vibration. mech replaced front brake rotors, calipers, 2 engine mounts, and 1 tranny mount. i noticed that the upper engine stabalizer arm ("dogbone")was missing and asked about it, i was told that it is unnessessary and was the cause of the vibration.
i am not a certified mech but i have been turning wrenches for over 20 yrs and know my way around most vehicles, foreign, domestic, old and new. my mechanics sense tells my that this is an issue and needs immediate action.
can anyone give me any input on this situation.
The person that owns the vehicle is a single mother that has no knowledge or understanding about auto mechanics. and it just seems like they seen her coming and took advantage of her. i just need some solid backing that my intuition and mechanical experience is not going on me.
Thank you
jayketrout

 

She needs a new mechanic. "A part the engineer put on the car is not necessary" is basically what he said. Does he know more than the engineers?
Get a new dogbone from a junkyard, put some new bushings in it, and put it one for her, it won't be hard or expensive.
The dogbone is there to prevent the engine from rocking forward and back under acceleration and braking. Without it, you will wear out the other mounts much sooner, and have mushy off-the-line throttle response.
Glad the owner has you to look after her!