96 Avalon transmission problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

stylenchanthu · 09-05-2007, 11:18 PM

I have a 96 Avalon and when the transmission shifts, the cars pulls to one side and then the other between the shift. It is an AT. It is most noticeable when it is shifting from 3rd to OD. I took it to a transmission shop and they said it does it because the control arm bushings are worn out and it will cost about $500 to fix. According to them, there is nothing in the transmission that will make the car do that. I have to say I'm skeptical about changing the bushing as i really dont believe them. To me, It feels like the power delivery to both the wheels is not equal as in between the shifting process, theres more power delivery to the right wheel first and then more power to the left wheel which is causing it. By now you must have figured out i dont know much about cars. can it really be some worn out bushings that make it do that? Other than that, everything shifts perfectly on time and everything. Can it really be the worn out control arm bushings that make it do that? help!

wonger · 09-05-2007, 11:38 PM

check tire pressure..
both front tires the same?
another u can do is have another shop look at it but dont say anything about the bushings

stylenchanthu · 09-05-2007, 11:41 PM

checked tire pressure, did an alignment, will try another place today...

wonger · 09-06-2007, 12:48 AM

miles? anything done to the car maint. wise or anything else before this happen? anything that happened before this started? like certain driving/ road conditions?

never heard of this problem before.. since yours is an older avalon.. even tho its auto.. it has a separate diff oil not linked or same as transmission fluid.. might be a diff going bad or low on fluids ( tho that wouldnt case what you are having i tink)

stylenchanthu · 09-06-2007, 12:55 AM

has about 168k miles on it. had this problem for the last 30,000 miles but now its pretty bad. just started gradually. differential sounds like a possibility. but i dont know much about the differentials fwd cars. the check engine light is on but thats cos the o2 sensor isbad

***toyomoho*** · 09-06-2007, 06:22 AM

How does the car pull when you accelerate slowly, does the trans shift smoothly, how are the tires wearing? You might be experiencing torque steer (see link below).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_steer

Doubt if the diff is causing the problem, they don’t have any clutches that can slip. Suggest you look at other factors such as brakes, CV joints, whwwl bearings and suspension. A mechanic should be able to check these items easily.

wonger · 09-07-2007, 01:55 AM

tranny mounts too

stylenchanthu · 09-07-2007, 10:15 AM

tranny mounts look ok, not cracked or anything. torque steer maybe but it pulls only when the for that short insant when the gears are shifting. acelerate slow or hard, doesn't make a difference it works perfect except when its shifting gears.

wonger · 09-08-2007, 01:02 PM

hmm might have to get it looked at .. at another shop and see if they say its the bushings sounds more like torque steer like toyomoho said

the problem should only happen anytime the car is stopped or any forward force is paused for a second or longer