Legacy GT front end problem

[R. Levor]

My '97 has 99000 miles, has developed a front end vibration getting
worse for a few months that I only notice turning, esp. at slow speeds.
Feels like the tires are scrubbing on the pavement. There's no noise
like a CV problem. Regular driving, even at freeway speed, feels normal.
My wheel shop diagnosed too much axle play and replaced the axles, then
told me it didn't help, so they replaced the old axles (at no charge!)
and said they think it's the transmission. Before I go further, any
ideas or experience out there? Thanks very much.

Bob

 

[John]

Torque bind.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

My '97 has 99000 miles, has developed a front end vibration getting
worse for a few months that I only notice turning, esp. at slow speeds.
Feels like the tires are scrubbing on the pavement. There's no noise
like a CV problem. Regular driving, even at freeway speed, feels normal.
My wheel shop diagnosed too much axle play and replaced the axles, then
told me it didn't help, so they replaced the old axles (at no charge!)
and said they think it's the transmission. Before I go further, any
ideas or experience out there? Thanks very much.

Bob

search this newsgroup or over at www.usmb.net for 'torque bind' . Check
all 4 tires for circumference measurements within about 1/4" of each
other. If the tires are mixed, then IMMEDIATELY replace as many as
required to make them be the same size. If you have an auto tranny,
place the spare fuse in the FWD position in the fuse box under the hood
(check your manual under spare tire/flat). If the problem goes away, you
will AT LEAST need a transmission fluid flush and maybe an additive.
More than likely you will need a transmission repair. If the problem
does not go away, you may have a bad duty solenoid C or associated
wiring. Occasionally, a frozen drive shaft U joint will cause a similar
feeling.

Carl

 

[R. Levor]

I really appreciate the information. Plugging in the FWD fuse did
eliminate the problem. My usual mechanic wants to replace the trans with
a used one - estimates $1000-1500 plus $200 labor. I trust him, but I'm
not sure replacing it with the same vintage makes sense, since it would
have the same defect. A local transmission shop that says they know this
problem well, most likely it's the transfer clutch and they can rebuild
the unit themselves. He charges $95 for diagnosis, but he sounds
knowledgeable, so I'll probably visit him next week. Thanks again. Any
further opinions welcome.

Bob L.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I really appreciate the information. Plugging in the FWD fuse did
eliminate the problem. My usual mechanic wants to replace the trans with
a used one - estimates $1000-1500 plus $200 labor. I trust him, but I'm
not sure replacing it with the same vintage makes sense, since it would
have the same defect. A local transmission shop that says they know this
problem well, most likely it's the transfer clutch and they can rebuild
the unit themselves. He charges $95 for diagnosis, but he sounds
knowledgeable, so I'll probably visit him next week. Thanks again. Any
further opinions welcome.

Bob L.

PLEASE, check with others more knowledgable than me as to exactly which
year the trannys began to get the steel sleeve in the tailshaft. One of
the problems was that an aluminum wear area was involved with some early
failures. Not that the 4EAT can't fail anyway - but no point in putting
in one of the worst models! I THINK your year has the steel. I;d be
tempted to find a rebuilt unit. Too large a chance that a used unit has
a clutch pack that is nearly worn out. I dunno - maybe if it came with a
really good exchange warranty or something.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan