[PopFromMemphis]

I have recently purchased a 1998 Cadillac Catera. It has several problems but the one I would like assistance on the most if the shakey, bouncy front end. I have had tires balanced. I have replaced rotors. As I drive down the road, the front end starts bouncing and shaking. If I let off on the gas, it stops. It is very frustrating and driving me crazy. Can you tell me what the next thing I might check would be.

Also, now this is crazy. The radio is not currently working but the seller of the car told me that for the radio to work OR for the trunk to open, you had to have your wipers on. Well, turning the wipers on does allow me to pop the trunk but the radio is still not working. Any one ever heard of this problem and might know a fix?

Thanks
PopFromMemphis!

 

[elvin315]

As I drive down the road, the front end starts bouncing and shaking. If I let off on the gas, it stops. It is very frustrating and driving me crazy. Can you tell me what the next thing I might check would be.

You didn't mention the mileage but I assume its well over 100,000 miles. A wild guess would be either the Struts, the Control Arm bushings, or both. If the front end shudders violently under braking it's probably the bushings but I don't think they'd cause a bounce. Bouncing is supposed to be dampened by the struts. They are probably the cause of your problem but front end troubles aren't always clear cut. How are your tires wearing? If they are badly out of alignment they might be scuffing and skittering along the pavement. It might be your Tie-Rod Ends. Loose, worn ends allow play in the steering and let the tires wiggle. Could be the wheel bearings though I doubt it. Has the car ever been in an accident? The frame might be bent. Sorry I'm asking more questions than answering yours. Your best bet is to take it to a front end specialist garage. Read my Catera Suspension article for more info and some potential parts vendors.
http://cateraowners.forumotion.com/t108-catera-suspension-upgrades-overview

Also, now this is crazy. The radio is not currently working but the seller of the car told me that for the radio to work OR for the trunk to open, you had to have your wipers on. Well, turning the wipers on does allow me to pop the trunk but the radio is still not working.

This problem is almost definitely the Multi-Function Relay. Its a relay pack that controls various operations. It's a grey box behind a removable panel under the steering wheel. It can sometimes be cleaned and/or repaired. It's a simple plug & play repair.
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_143110630725411&key=99b92d6e152eb9d1dde89f41fbc2db4b&libId=i9fvllew0100272e000DA85zfgkzz&loc=http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-catera-cimarron-forum/527945-maintenance-repair-videos.html&v=1&out=http://youtu.be/dOPLK8cr1RA&ref=http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/search.php?searchid=7905169&title=Maintenance & Repair Videos&txt=http://youtu.be/dOPLK8cr1RA

Welcome to the wacky world of Catera ownership.

If you haven't already read my Catera History & Overview you might find it helpful. The Catera isn't perfect but if you can look past her idiosynchrasies she's a comfortable, good looking, great handling car.
http://cateraowners.forumotion.com/t239-catera-overview-history-by-elvin-rivera

 

[elvin315]

Any updates?

 

[solocatera01]

hey i also own a catera 01. i as well have the same issues, the shakey front end, and the trunk and radio not working. . from what i learned so far about the shakey front end it maybe a pitman arm or your center link bar have those checked. hopefully that will fix it.

 

[elvin315]

Same advice to you. My '01 has Koni struts & shocks front & rear, new tie rod ends, sway bar drop links, and polyurethane bushings front & rear. Not saying you need all that. I wanted the best handling Catera around. I think I did. She used to shudder under braking, rattle over bumps, and roll excessively in the turns.

----------

It used to but not anymore. The bushings fixed the braking shakes, the drop links fixed the rattles, the Konis fixed the body lean. I also have GTO brakes with Corvette brake pads, but that's another story.

 

[elvin315]

Forgot to mention the GTO springs front & rear. Being stiffer and an inch shorter they helped the Konis reduce the lean.

 

[elvin315]

Don't know why I forgot the to mention the strut's top mounts and ball joints. My take is since I was taking the trouble to replace the bushings and struts I should rebuild as much as I could.

 

[DaveBruce]

Sorry about the OT post.
I am checking to see if Elvin is still monitoring this thread, as I would like to get in contact with him regarding technical info on the Ingalls Engineering camber bolts. d underscore b underscore burnett at hotmail

 

[elvin315]

What do you need to know?