1997 chevy cavalier makes a thumping noise when accelerating from full stop. seems to be coming from under the front of the car. noise goes away after accelerating past maybe 15 mph. i read somewhere to replace the driveshaft center bearing?

Try this cost/benefit analysis, tell your friend to get in the driver seat with the engine running, you standing on the side with the hood up looking at the engine. Then tell your friend to push the brake while at the same time push the gas pedal, first in drive and then in reverse. If the engine rocks violent, in the corresponding direction, that is the mount that has failed.

OR evaluate the cost of guesswork , versus a competent (yeah , I know -hard to find--) diagnosis , and do a cost/benefit analysis of both methods and proceed as best determined to suit your needs.