newbie question- shimmying problem in first gear

[Bailey]

EDITED: I have found some threads on the forum about this problem - sounds like it could be the awd transfer clutches? or possible cv?
Here is the symptom:
When I start to accelerate ('93 LSi) slowly after being stopped and I am turning the wheel a little at the same time (for example, pulling out of a parking place or turning a corner after stopping at a stop sign) I feel a slight shuddering. It is hard to tell exactly where it is coming from. It happens only in first gear when wheel is turned and goes away as speed is increased. Don't know if it is related or not, but the car also pulls slightly to the right. (This could be an alignment thing, we just got the car a month ago)

If either one of the above (awd clutches or cv) are these expensive/difficult repairs (would have to go to dealer probably) and is it ok to continue to drive for a while without rushing out to get it fixed?

[elninoalex]

Originally Posted by Bailey

EDITED: I have found some threads on the forum about this problem - sounds like it could be the awd transfer clutches? or possible cv?
Here is the symptom:
When I start to accelerate ('93 LSi) slowly after being stopped and I am turning the wheel a little at the same time (for example, pulling out of a parking place or turning a corner after stopping at a stop sign) I feel a slight shuddering. It is hard to tell exactly where it is coming from. It happens only in first gear when wheel is turned and goes away as speed is increased. Don't know if it is related or not, but the car also pulls slightly to the right. (This could be an alignment thing, we just got the car a month ago)

If either one of the above (awd clutches or cv) are these expensive/difficult repairs (would have to go to dealer probably) and is it ok to continue to drive for a while without rushing out to get it fixed?

That sounds like it could be the O-ring under the Power Steering Reservoir. It's amazing what symptoms can be cured by that 20 cent O-ring. Or even the serpentine drive belt could be loose leaving the PS pump a touch behind. Turning the wheel coming off of idle can catch the PS pump w/o enough RPM to function flawlessly.