I took the Bonnie out for a drive tonight and found that it was shaking while I drove it. Everytime I went over a pothole (which on my steet are numerous!) the steering wheel would shake to the left.

Also right after I picked it up from the safety and was driving it back to the mechanics with my dad to pick up the Bashed Up Bonnie, the car was making a rattling sound from what sounded like the drivers side. My dad talked to the mechanic and he said it might be the struts and is not sure if my 99 ones would be any good because of my accident.

Now I do know (the owner told me dad and not me!) that the 97 was in a front end collision and he had all new parts on the front of it. It did not activate the airbags though (or it would have been totalled like mine!). Would this be part of it too??

Is there a way that a mechanic can tell me if I need an alignment done or not? I don't want to spend the money if I don't need one done and it is the struts. If it is struts and mine are no good, Maybe I will get some from the wreckers and get them put on instead.

Also, it is hesitating when I pull away and accelarate but the guy who sold it to me said it was sitting for about 8 months without being run. He told me to run a full tank of gas (medium grade) and than go for my emissions test. Does this sound realistic to you? Gas is not cheap and the last time he did the test in 2008 it passed with flying colours!

I will run it for a bit to get some gunk out and maybe put some fuel additive in tomorrow too. I think that will work.

Opinions please???

Check for loose linkages or loose lug nuts.

Dan,

I am not mechanically inclined remember! Can you be more specific if I am doing this myself??? I have owned 2 cars... only got my license last May.. I know nothing!! *LOL*

Jack up and support the front of the car with jack stands. then grab the tire and try to wiggle it. Do you feel any play? If so, look around for what is moving.

Ah I see what you mean... I have nothing to jack it up with though, thus the problem.

sears has a little 2 1/2 tonner for $40

Hmm yeah that might work too... of course I am in Canada so it would be more but maybe Canadian Tire would have one too. I get money back there and might need it in the long run anyhow! $40 vs labour at mechanics=good investment! Plus might need it to remove parts of 99 too!

So check each tire at a time or can I use the jack to jack up front end and check front tires? It would be the front ones right?

correct unless your hiding a bonneville that steers with all 4 from us

You never go wrong investing in tools. Good ones last a life time, and save you thousands.

The way I drive, I need it!!!

I knew that was a dumb question as soon as I typed it! Will look tomorrow when I go out, have to hit Canadian Tire for an ashtray, washer fluid and fuel additve!