1995 Other Saturn Models Shimmy at 55 to 70.

Tiny
ENDO
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  • 1995 SATURN
Shakes or Wobbles problem
1995 Other Saturn Models 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 106k miles

I'm getting a shimmy at high speeds (55 - 70). It shimmy's more when turning left and shimmy's less when turning right. It also shimmy's more when accelerating. I don't get much of a shimmy when I let off the gas pedal.

This all tells me that my problem is a CV joint, but when I took it in the mechanic told me that my tranny joint was bad and needs replacing. I do have transmission probelms but I have that isolated.
I replaced the tranny joint on the lower driver side, the problem seems to diminish a bit, but at that time I wasn't driving it long distances.

I'm wondering if I should just try elimination by replacement and do the shafts, or if by chance the bad tranny joint put too much stress on the other joints and made them bad as well. I've ruled out brakes or tire components due to the lack of shimmy when I'm at speed and coasting.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Friday, April 18th, 2008 AT 11:56 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
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IS there any wheel bearing play, the turning changes leads me to this thought.

Not sure on the tranny joint reference. The inner axle joint?
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Saturday, April 19th, 2008 AT 5:55 AM
Tiny
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I've added a picture of the Transmission mount I had replaced, if that helps at all. I accessed it by removing the driver side tire and using a jack on the transmission.

Not sure on the tranny joint reference. The inner axle joint?
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Saturday, April 19th, 2008 AT 11:56 PM
Tiny
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Okay, mount not joint, make sense now.
Terminology can be brutal in this industry at times.

I know of a vibration problem on these that involves the upper engine mount, but that is at idle.

Yeah that mount probably went bad from the oil on it. It is good practice to replace all the mounts when one goes bad for exactly the reason you mentioned, But I wouldn't expect the vibration at those speeds though.

What I would try is to run this on the lift. While it is up in the air, the vibration may visually expose itself.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2008 AT 5:12 AM

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