2006 Pontiac Grand Prix CV Joint or Not?

AMAIZENBLUE77

MEMBER
2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
V6
TURBO
FWD
AUTOMATIC
225,000 MILES

First of all, I answered YES to the Turbo question above because there wasn't a "Supercharged" option.

But here's my car's symptom: When I turn left and accelerate (such as making a left-hand turn from a stop sign) on occasion it seems like the transmission or something gets "disconnected" and the car stops accelerating and begins to coast (like it has no drive power) even though the engine is running fine. Then if I either reduce the degree of turn and/or let up on the gas, the transmission or CV Joint or whatever became "disconnected" suddenly "reconnects" and the car surges very hard with a pretty violent "jolt" (loud "BAM" sound) and the car returns to normal operation again. This symptom is repeatable and has not happened if I turn right. I took it to a CV Joint repair place and he said the joints are fine based on the fact the boots are intact and no grease is visible in under the wheel wells.

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

On the inner shaft there are two snap rings that hold the shaft together I'd bet one if not both are broken and even though boots are ok would need to be taken apart to see if they are. Also there is a snap ring that holds it into the trans and I kind of doubt it is broken but may not be installed all the way, especially if it was replaced recently or prior to you owning car. There isn't a good description of that part but on anew one it is plainly visible. See if shaft inner and outer will move away from trans and from inner shaft to outer shaft that would tell you. See pic for ones you can't see.

Image (Click to make bigger)