Damaged 2001, Technical Drivetrain Question

[kennedyrec]

Bought a damaged SLE hit near the left front wheel. Bonneville was pulling out from parallel parking spot and hit just as it left the curb, hit between the door/fender area at appx 45 degree angle. Body damage limited to door/fender. Everything else is undamaged.

Left side aluminum motor mount bracket is broken, strut twisted, wheel broken and the left axle shaft sheared off at the inner flange. The flange is still attached to the transmission. Cracked the output housing for the tranny near on the right hand side.

My question-Is the tranny junk, or can the tranny output housing on the right be changed without pulling the tranny? I will email a pic if you need it. To you guys in the know, thanks in advance.

[1fatcat]

That piece can be changed without pulling the trans, but there may be un-seen damage inside the tranny too? Sounds like it was a pretty hard hit?

[kennedyrec]

25-30 MPH hit. I think it was an Aztec that hit it, of all vehicles. most of the energy was absorbed by the door/hinge area, but yes it was a decent enough hit. I agree on the unseen damage, but i am going to keep the car for personal use so i dont mind taking a chance on the tranny unless someone says "its likely junk".

[crash93ssei]

I agree with 1fatcat here. It can be changed, but I would be nervous of other damage. Before you buy any parts for it, I would take the diff housing off and remove the diff to inspect for any other damage.

[clm2112]

Hmmm... lemme phrase it this way. Any hit hard enough to do that much damage has probably damaged the transmission case and some of the internals. I would assume the transmission is junk until taken apart and proven otherwise.

[1fatcat]

I'm having a hard time getting the 3D image of the inside of the tranny to appear in my head, but I think it may be possible to exert enough inward pressure on the left axle to break the right output housing and not do any other damage in the trans? There may be damage to the differential and/or the right side differential thrust bearing? I think the energy would transmit like this: Left axle>left trans output/stub shaft>differential assy>right differential thrust bearing>right trans output housing>right axle>right wheel bearing.

Its a tough call to make but if your willing to try a housing and not be upset if that doesn't fix it, then go for it. Just make sure to inspect the differential assembly and right thrust bearing when the housing is removed.

[kennedyrec]

Good responses Guys, thanks so far. Here is a pic. While I believe the axle shaft did take a hit, i think what cracked the RHS cover was the force that broke the LHS motor mount and motor mount casting. Couple of pics here.

http://picasaweb.google.com/kennedy.pk/2001Bonneville#

Can someone advise R/R time for the tranny? Also, if i pull it should i have it rebuilt or replace with a used trans? Car has 150k but was owned by a friend who maintained it very well.

[00Beast]

Well, let me put it this way. To rebuild my 4T65E-HD in my 03 SSEi cost $2400, with a 1 year warranty from Aamco. I got brand new clutches, and all upgrades, as well as a new 4th gear hub and some other things. It's a brand new tranny inside.

You can get a used transmission from a JY for less than $1000. You get a used part with a small or no warranty, and no upgrades, but it works and drives for the next long while. You could also get a rebuilt transmission for about $1500, and install it yourself. It's all in what you want to do.

[Archon]

If you haven't already, check the cradle for cracks. We had one member have it break without being hit. You can see it here.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... f=8&t=7810

It also looks as if you'll need a new inner tie rod, and maybe a rack, depending on what forces that received.

[kennedyrec]

Likely DOA, the rack feels like its is indeed junk.

[spoiledred94]

kennedyrec,

I think you may want to do something else with that car. IMO it'd would never be straight. Well unless you get stubborn like I did with my 94 SE. I put money and money into that car. I never caught and fixed all the problems and she was definitely not straight: trannys, steering gear, struts, bearings, mounts, cradle drops, major under dash wiring mods and bypasses, in other words I would have been better off with another car.

Have fun though. It matters :-)

[vogie01]

This thread is so old!!

[Jrs3800]

Kris this was close to 4 years ago buddy...