1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Lateral shuddering while driving

1993 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
154,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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Hi Guys!

I've had this problem for several years now where my car shudders and makes a dull sound while driving, especially when in a sweeping turn, as on the highway. It varies with steering angle where in the steering dead spot I typically hear/feel nothing wrong, but when I make a left or right turn I get a periodic "thumpthumpthumpthump" sound and vibration.

I also get a pronounced shudder as I brake. I thought this was just warped rotors but I've had them ground a few times to no avail.

A friend said it may be a funky CV joint, and my talents lie in electronics, not mechanical systems so I haven't the slightest idea. =P

My car runs swell, though lacking power currently and I want to see it reach 250k miles. What should I do to correct this problem? I'm donating to the website for this answer.

Thanks!
Apr 14, 2008 at 12:19 PM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like your lower ball joints are bad, please inspect them ASAP. If a lower ball joint fails you can lose control of the car. Plus inspect the cv joints they can cause vibration while accelerating. Please let me know. :-)
Apr 14, 2008 at 3:18 PM
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UFANDERS
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Hooooly cow!

Yeah man, I'll have it in the shop tomorrow, Thanks for the heads up!

Are there any repair facility chains that you would recommend?
Apr 14, 2008 at 3:30 PM
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STRAILER
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np, it is difficult to recommend a repair garage, but soon we will have a system in place that will help you find one, so check back soon!
Apr 14, 2008 at 3:38 PM
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So I took my car to Precision Tune and they showed me that my balljoints and tierods on both sides were shot - there was grease piled up around them indicating, to their decree, that the seals were bad allowing grease to leak out and accumulate.

The parts cost slightly less than $400 with labor adding $280 more. I figure that this car has been so cheap to own thus far, it's worth abstaining from new car payments for another 6 months at least.

Do the repair guys seems like they're making a reasonable claim?

Thanks!
Apr 15, 2008 at 2:18 PM
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yes, car repair is getting more expensive all the time. Take the current garage estamate and call other garages in the area to compare charges.
Apr 15, 2008 at 4:20 PM
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I got my car back from Precision Tune and there is no more shuddering while applying power to the wheels or during a turn. Very smooth indeed! I still have to get an alignment and I do have warped rotors, however. =P

The steering seems tighter, too.
Apr 17, 2008 at 11:27 AM
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Good to hear!
Apr 20, 2008 at 12:35 PM