Vs shudder 1st & 2nd gear...

[2ndLook]

Hi all

Done some research into this & found a few probobale causes but still would appreciate some feedback. I can do alot of the basic servicing & that on my commodores but anything i dont know i take to the mechanic. Had a great mechanic, but I've moved & want to make sure i have a bit of an idea of the problem.

Got a VS wagon for the missus. Finally gave in to her getting a wagon so the VT had to go. Rushed into it, but it seems like a decent buy. Only thing it's got a shake/shudder when taking off & then into 2nd gear. After that it drives fine. It does also have 2 small oil leaks that look to be coming from under the gearbox. I need to have a good look cause it could just be running off it, but it seems like it's from under the gearbox when looking under from the front of the car.

I've read up that it could be a centre bearing & a few other things, but would just like to know your opinion or from your experience if you've had the same problem. Obviously being a wagon it doesnt have IRS.

Thanks in advance

[hako]

My own experience is that my Commodore had the shudders from the day I bought it 7 years ago and still has it. I have a brother-in-law who has a wagon and it shudders worse than mine and also has done so since new. If you read the roadtests on Commodores (when new), they all comment on the harshness under heavy acceleration. So as far as I am concerned the shudder is normal. I must admit that a shot centre bearing or rear control arm with bad bushes or soft/broken engine mounts can make the shudder worse, but to go to the expense of replacing components simply because it's thought they are making the shudder worse has to be a waste of money.
If you look back on the history and design of the VN-VS Commodore, you'll find it started out in Europe with much smaller less powerful engines fitted. When GMH took up the design, they fitted an engine with almost double the European horsepower. Heaps of power in a light weight body = harsh.
Like I say, these are my opinions and plenty will disagree.....
Good Luck.