Car Excessive Shaking and Brake Smell

What is your question?

I drive a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse with 218,000 miles. I got an inspection a couple of weeks ago and they told me to get my front left Ball Joint replaced, which I will get taken care of this weekend. However, last week my car started shaking uncontrollably, couldn’t accelerate past 35 and it was pulling me to the left. It stopped for a few days and started again today. My boyfriend suspects that the Rear brakes are locked since he noticed a strong brake smell from my right rear tire. I’m wondering if it could be related to the loose Ball Joint? Would that cause tire imbalance and these symptoms? I notice my car slightly pulling me left (where the Ball Joint is loose) but the shaking and loss of acceleration only happens once every few weeks. Thank you for taking the time to read this, Have a great day!

What makes this problem better or worse?

Worse when trying to accelerate

How long has your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse had this problem?

Few weeks