Shimmy and shake

Discuss your 2000-2005 Bonneville SE, SLE, SSEi, Buick Le Sabre 00-05 and Buick Park Avenue 97-05. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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Alabass
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Year and Trim: 2000 SE

Shimmy and shake

Post by Alabass »

Wife's 2000 Bonneville has developed a shimmy or shake that occurs while accelerating between 45 - 50 mph. I've rotated the tires and had them balanced with no effect. From searching the forum it appears it may be the transaxle/half shaft. How hard a job is this for a DIY'er? I've replaced a bearing on the right front so am somewhat familiar with the process and have replaced axles on other FWD vehicles. Anything special or awkward about the Bonnie front end that makes this exceptionally hard? Does anyone know of a write-up with pictures going through the steps to do this?

Thanks
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HurstGN
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Re: Shimmy and shake

Post by HurstGN »

Might also check that front trans mount as well. If it's going it can allow enough engine movement that it can add a shake to the car. Just a minor thing to check before going into the bigger job.
Dan McCann
2000 SSEi
Alabass
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Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:38 pm
Year and Trim: 2000 SE

Re: Shimmy and shake

Post by Alabass »

Replace the front motor mount along with the left side drive axle and it's running smooth now.
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HurstGN
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Re: Shimmy and shake

Post by HurstGN »

What's the cost to do that drive axle? I have a tire balance problem but I'm not rebalancing them because I'll be putting new tires on on November. If mine still shakes, I might be into the axle as well. Was wondering how much less Christmas there will be if I have to do this.
Dan McCann
2000 SSEi
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