1999 Bonneville SE Transmission Failure AND Subframe Problem

[1999BonnevilleSE]

1999 Bonneville SE, 145K miles, owned since 2003, garage kept, clean nice original condition, never any issues except routine replacement items and maintenance, etc. Transmission failed in late March, driving home, just suddenly lost D and OD. Having researched the problem it is the forward apply band that has broken, car still has 1 and 2, and R, just no D or OD. So, the tranny needs replaced or rebuilt, which I would have proceeded with IF that was the only problem.

The subframe is the other problem, knew about this before the tranny failed, but was still driving it. The two bushings on the passenger side behind front wheel are bad. The outer bushing has just completely separated from the frame, so the bushing is still fully on the subframe, just no longer attached to the car. (I tried to attach photos but don't see an option for that). The second bushing in on that same fell completely out, only the bolt remains which is just hanging down from the frame, and without the bushing I can see subframe has rust and holes around the opening where the bushing would hold. I saw a post about having the subframe welded for this common issue, but what about the outer bushing that has completely separated from the car? That would require repair to the frame itself? Couldn't find a post about that. The other four subframe bushings are all attached and look okay, but of course until they are removed won't know what damage exists underneath. Live in central IL so road salt is used in winter here.

Car has always been garage kept, well cared for, nice original paint, looks great and never let me down until the tranny failed. Didn't even realize the tranny in these cars is prone to early failure, as mine always drove great. Had a '92 Bonneville with 185K on it and was always fine until someone hit me and totaled it. In this '99 I had tranny fluid and filter replaced after 100K at some point, now at 145K.

I love the car but not sure if it is worth trying to fix. I don't know anyone who does welding or what extent the repairs might be, I took it to one weld shop locally back when I noticed the bushing problem and they said they wouldn't do it. I was told by a mechanic just getting out all the bushings and bolts, etc. will be a challenge and lots of labor if they are hard to get out. I got a couple estimates on a rebuild or replacement on the tranny, but that is not even factoring in the subframe/frame repairs needed, if it can even be done or if a replacement subframe could be found that is good. If anyone is in central IL or Midwest area, or knows of anyone that would do this type of work let me know. Would like to attach pics of car and subframe but don't know how, just joined here.

[96 SSEi]

so the subframe is hanging and you see the bolt screwed into the frame? there is a metal cup shaped retainer that sits ontop of the bolt and holds the s/f and bushing to the frame.

remove the bolt and install new dorman s/f mount - replace both: welding not needed unless the bolt breaks. theycost about 50 - 70 bones each. the other side wont be far behind so plan ahead. the front 2 should last - mine are almost perfect after 20 years - rust is the enemy - it kills the metal cup causung the bolt to be unable to hold s/f to frame - when you see the mount, you will have a better understanding - google it for pic

[1999BonnevilleSE]

The tranny needs replaced so all of the bushings need to come out for that, so all would be replaced, I've already researched that and know the parts needed. Not something I would be doing myself, as they will drop the subframe to get the tranny out and do it then.

As stated, the outer subframe bushing assembly completed separated from the car frame behind the passenger front wheel, the next one in on that same side did not do that, just the bushing went bad and fell out on it, bolt is still hanging down from the frame. Since that bushing on that one is missing you can clearly see the subframe hole is rusted and has holes around it, so mounting a new bushing it wouldn't even hold since it is rusted. I saw a post about welding metal around the holes in the subframe to have something for the new bushing to mount against, again not something I could do myself.

My main question is about that outer bushing assembly that has just completely separated from the frame, that means the frame area would need welded and a new nut welded for the new bushing to mount. Is that area of the frame repairable? Would love to find someone who has had this done. I have pics of if all don't see anyway to post here though.

[95naSTA]

The pics in this thread are for the driver's side but it's the same deal for the passenger. An access hole would be cut and new metal welded in.

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 27103.html

[1999BonnevilleSE]

Okay, thanks! That is definitely the same problem. That repair looks pretty involved, finding a place to do that is the problem, transmission shops aren't going to do it, they would need to drop the subframe to get tranny out, then this type of repair could be done. I was hoping to find someone within a reasonable distance who could do this type of fix.

Before the tranny went out I was thinking of just putting a new bushing in the second mount in on the passenger side and leaving the outermost one that separated from the frame as is, hoping to just buy more time and have at least one connected subframe bushing on that side. Once the tranny went out though subframe has to come out anyway so would need to do real fix.

I guess that is what I was trying to get at, if this is even a repair I could get done, and at what cost? Tranny replacement or rebuild was quoted at 3 grand to replace with a rebuilt one, or $2,700 for a rebuild of mine at another shop. That doesn't include any of the subframe/frame repairs or parts. Does that price sound about right for the tranny fix? If it was just the tranny would have already done and be driving it again. The car looks great, it is a shame to not fix, but then again this seems like it might be a lost cause.

[1999BonnevilleSE]

Had another mechanic turn down fixing the car, too much work with the tranny rebuild and the subframe/frame welding work needed done. I was hoping someone on here would be somewhat near my area and know someone or has done this type of work and would offer to help. I can get a shop to do the tranny, but the subframe and frame welding needed is the difficult part. I guess I will have to sell the car as-is since fixing it seems like a lost cause, even if I could find someone to do all the work still not sure what the cost to do everything would be, then I could decide if it is worth it or not.

[dougtoth]

When I had the tranny rebuilt on my 2000SLE is was $1800.00.
As far as the sub frame problem I did something different.
On my 2001SLE the sub frame holes were rotted out.
This was on the passenger side. (2 holes)
We went to LKQ and cut off a section off a car that was not rusted.
We then fitted it over the bad section.
We then bolted it on and tac welded it.
In my case it worked great and we were able to install the 2 new mounts with no problem.
I also replaced the 2 mounts on the the drivers side.(holes were not rusted)
Don't know if this helps but just thought of giving you another option.
The nice thing is that we did not have to drop the sub frame.

[Archon]

I've found that shops won't touch suspension, and frame problems. I couldn't even find a shop to repair the rear upper spring mounts that had rusted out. I tried everything from a body shop, to a shop that does frame work. They worry about repercussions if things don't turn out well.

[dougtoth]

Isn't it nice that lawyers now rule the world?
They affect the price of every product you buy.
And you wonder why the prices of items are so high!!!

[1999BonnevilleSE]

I've found that shops won't touch suspension, and frame problems. I couldn't even find a shop to repair the rear upper spring mounts that had rusted out. I tried everything from a body shop, to a shop that does frame work. They worry about repercussions if things don't turn out well.

Thanks, yes I think this is the problem, and I can understand in a way. I also assume they know it may be more work that what they expect and won't know until they actually do it, projects always end up being more work than expected as we all know. Until they take off the subframe completely and can see what exactly needs done it is hard to know.

I understand the liability they may be concerned about, mine doesn't seem like it would too bad and looks fixable, but I can see why shops won't touch it. From the exterior the car looks as nice as you will see now for a 1999, but sadly the underneath of these cars rot out. I think the subframe is a very poor design on these cars. I can't do the work myself and don't know anyone personally who does this type of work. Getting the tranny fixed would be the easy part, the rest seems like a lost cause unfortunately.

[Archon]

Mine was the rear upper spring mount, which would be a easier fix than yours. They still wouldn't touch it. May have to go with someone who does work on the side.

[1999BonnevilleSE]

Mine was the rear upper spring mount, which would be a easier fix than yours. They still wouldn't touch it. May have to go with someone who does work on the side.

What year is/was your Bonneville? Did you end up ever getting the spring mount fixed or not? Yes, the last guy was someone who just does work out of his house, he still didn't want the work due to the frame/subframe work. Would almost need to know a friend or family member that does this type of work who wouldn't be worried about liability issues.

My springs in back likely need work also, have had a squeak on the driver's side rear in cold weather for a couple years coming from the spring, told it was where it mounts, just never got around to having it fixed as it didn't impact driving. Who knows, many my spring mount/s in back are bad too like yours? Wouldn't be surprised given the issues in the front.

[96 SSEi]

try approaching someone with a signed waver of liability. you will need to bring someone as witness. Its going to be expensive, but, try the mobile welding guys -yellow page, craigs list, and the such - you may get lucky.

[Archon]

Mine was a 2000 SSEi. I never did get it repaired. I sold it for less than it normally would be worth. I explained several times to the buyer what the problem was. He wasn't concerned.