Vibration Under Acceleration - Extension Housing Bushing?

[garywcook]

Hey all.

New to the forum and to FWD GM's. I've mostly worked on Fords and Corvettes. I could use a little help. This needs to be a one day project. No time to disassemble and take a look.

I am trying to extend the life out of my daughter's 2001 3.8 Grand Prix GT with about 125K miles. I've already done some work. Replaced the Front wheel bearings. Brakes. Radiator. Fixed various leaks. Etc.

Recently I replaced both front axles. She drove it way past the point they should have been replaced, especially the passenger side. I don't know how it worked honestly. Incredible vibration. After replacement, I'm getting some vibration under acceleration. Nothing like before but it's still there slightly. I suspect the vibration from the bad axle damaged the bushing or bearing in the extension on the passenger side. Seems just a little wobbly. Sound like a reasonable assumption?

That raises a few questions. I see two types of extensions. One is named bearing type and the other bushing. I believe this one is a bushing type, correct?
Seems simple enough to replace the extension. Any gotchas? I've already mastered the axle replacement process.

[Scottydoggs]

that shaft inside does moves some. maybe you got a beat reman axle, what brand you get?

[spazzz]

Maybe engine/ trans mounts

[FordMan77]

^^This^^. Was thinking the same thing. If the engine and trans. mounts are shot they will throw off the angle of the axles causing a vibration. If they are the stock mounts check them out too.

[garywcook]

The axles are new, not remanufactured. Not sure of the brand.

Thanks for the engine mount suggestion. I'll replace the upper engine mounts. They do look worn and the engine moves quite a bit front/rear when you accelerate. I had them out yesterday while replacing the radiator. Bottom looks fine. If that doesn't do it, then I'll replace the passenger side extension housing with a new bushing and seal.

Once this is resolved, on to replacing the steering rack. Not looking forward to that at all.

[Gregorius]

How do the control arm bushings look ?

[garywcook]

How do the control arm bushings look ?

Control arm bushings look ok.

Got the new upper motor mounts today. Hope to install them over the weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed. In any case, they needed to be replaced.

[Scottydoggs]

try rotating the tires.

[garywcook]

Maybe engine/ trans mounts

The engine mounts were bad. No clunk when you put it in gear. But did not fix the vibration only under heavy acceleration.