My '97 Bonneville has developed a strange shuder/vibration while accelerating and turning left. It doesn't do it when turning right or going straight. It feels like the tire is out of round, yet when I turn left while coasting, it feels fine.

I took it to a Pontiac dealer to run the diagnostics on the transmission. They charged me 125 bucks and told me that the fluid was low and that the tranny leaks. They said it would be 1000.00 to replace both pan gaskets on the tranny, and also repair a leaky steering rack hose. Other than that, the tranny checked fine. They topped off the fluid.

They said the vibration was from the steering rack. However, why only under acceleration? They also topped off the steering fluid. Still, the problem remains.

A couple of questions: Any idea what could cause the strange shudder/vibration? Is 1000.00 bucks ridiculous to fix the leaks? Is it really difficult to replace the side tranny cover gasket myself? Did I get screwed for the 125 for diagnostic?

Thanks!

The side pan requires that the body is out of the way. A mechanic buddy of mine said the subframe can drop enough (passenger side still hooked up) to get the cover off and gasket done. That'* a pretty big drop though.

The rack could be causing the issue.. however w/o diagnosing it in person..it'* tough to say for sure.