My car is doing this odd "wobble" side to side when I accelerate with anything more than relaxed amounts of throttle - it's like the entire car rocks like a boat. I was thinking that it could be that it needs new shocks, because I noticed that the driver's front shock had leaked fluid. They are the ~146k mile originals.

Any thoughts/input/suggestions before I go out and get a set of new shocks?

Thanks

 

Get New shocks, and bushings on the panhard bar and control arm, also check your swaybar bushings they probably need to be replaced too.

 

if one of your shocks is leaking fluid you need to replace them. I would agree with above and get some new bushings. Even it they not the cause it will give the car a better feel, response, etc. They should be done.

I would also have the wheel bearings checked out. Re balance the tires.
Maybe something in the front suupension? It could be a number of things. the shocks, bushings, and balancing should be done regardless.

 

When was the last time you had the front end alingment checked?

 

Also check to see if the belts have shifted in the tires.

 

Haven't done it since I bought the car last summer, didn't think I needed to since it drives 99% straight (very slight pull to left) and smooth as glass. I'll see if I can have it checked locally.

I may have to check this by swapping the wheels and tires from Z28Roxy's car. However I have had tires with messed up belts before and this doesn't feel like that but I'll check it anyway.

Here's a video where you can really see the swaying happen (watch how the camera sways back and forth, especially once I get into 4th gear)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyvAj...eature=related

 

I would have the shock looked at. If your bushings are going out it should be evident. You should be able to tell from looking at them that they re done for, well if they are.

 

Tie rods? My camaro's are bad and my wheels will wobble while I have the front of the car jacked up. And when I accelerate hard I can feel it sway. Need to get them replaced. Dangerous.