19th Feb 2011, 14:42
I am a big fan of Buick, and personally own a Park Avenue. However, I am sorry to say that there seem to be a lot of these reports showing up on here lately for the Park Avenue and LeSabre. It does usually seem to happen just after accelerating from a stop, so accidents are not very likely. If enough of theses incidents are reported to GM, it may be recalled, as it could potentially endanger life. Plus this frame was used up until at least 1999.
8th May 2011, 05:55
WHY THE FRONT FRAME FALLS DOWN, RESULTING IN TOTAL STEERING LOSS.
The front frame which holds the engine/transmission, and the steering rack will drop down from its rear mounts if the following #1 or #2 happen.
(1) There are LARGE metal washers under the frame on the bolts that hold the front frame up onto the body of the car. If the rubber insulators become un-bonded from age or rust, the frame drops. What happens is the washers rust away and are not there to hold the frame if/when it drops.
(2) The area where the bolts that do hold the frame up onto the body may rust away, allowing the frame to drop with the bolts still attached to it at the rear.
DON'T MESS WITH THIS.
Have your car checked for these conditions.
The frame drops with NO WARNING, and TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING RESULTS.
18th Jun 2012, 20:01
I have a pristine 1996 Buick LeSabre. I never thought any thing was wrong. The underneath of my car looked perfect. One day the frame dropped out. I was lucky I was not killed.
19th Nov 2014, 07:24
Front wheel drive uni-body cars didn't become a big thing until the mid 80's. Of course the frame isn't going to drop out in a full-frame car as it is all one piece. I believe you'll find that most uni-body cars have front sub-frame sections that have the potential for this failure to occur if not properly maintained. Being a 15 year old car, the failure could have likely been prevented had the sub-frame bushings / washers been inspected and the problem corrected prior to the failure. Most likely, your car was missing at least one of the washers prior to the failure of the second washer... A thorough vehicle inspection should be performed at least annually on any vehicle if you wish for it to remain dependable, especially if you are driving a vehicle greater than 10 years old. Rust does not discriminate.
16th Feb 2011, 21:25
I have seen a lot of these cars with a rotted out rocker panel that's about it. I have never heard of the front end separating. Stop getting junk cars.
I have a 1991 Park Avenue with absolutely zero rot or rust on it and I live in New England. I bought the car, it was sitting for years and the chrome body moldings were rusty. It's all about how people kept them as for any car that is 21 years old. What do you expect?
I had a 85 Park Avenue and it wasn't rotted at all buddy.