Hah! Check this out. This sounds exactly like what it does:
#PI0702B: Wobble Felt in Vehicle Acceleration from Stop Through 1-2 Shift - (Apr 3, 2012)
Subject: Wobble Felt in Vehicle Acceleration from Stop Through 1-2 Shift
Models: 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Equipped with Engine RPO LE5 and Automatic Transmission RPO MH8
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This PI is being revised to change the labor time. Please discard PI0702A.
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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern
Some customers or technicians may notice a wobble felt in the vehicle or steering wheel when accelerating from a stop through the 1-2 shift and/or slip/stick conditions when the vehicle shifts from 1-2 up to approximately 32♦km/h (20♦mph). This concern may be more prevalent with a passenger in the front and/or turning to the right while accelerating.
Forces generated by the front axle shafts may cause the powertrain to move laterally. These forces are induced by friction in the inboard axle joints due to the angle of the axles. The forces vary based on the phase orientation of the axle joints to each other.
Recommendation/Instructions
Loosen the four engine and transmission mounts. Adjust the engine position so that the engine mount bolts are centered on the engine mount as shown in the picture above. Pictures marked “A” are before and “B” are after. Arrows point to front of the vehicle. The mount pictured is below the airbox. Then tighten the remainder of the mounts.
Tighten
Tighten the engine mount to bracket bolts to 58♦N·m (42♦lb♦ft).
Tighten
Tighten the transmission mount through bolts to 90♦N·m (66♦lb♦ft).
Tighten
Tighten the transmission mount bolts to 50♦N·m (37♦lb♦ft).
Drive the vehicle and evaluate the concern. The concern can be duplicated by driving the vehicle in a long gradual turn with the transmission in 2nd gear while using the brakes to maintain a speed of 24♦km/h (15♦mph) and engine at 2000 RPM.
If the mount adjustment does not eliminate the concern, new design half shafts have been released to address this condition. These new axles have new grease that reduces friction in the joint.
Note: Once these half shafts have been installed, perform the following break-in procedure:
1. From a stop, accelerate wide open throttle through the 1-2 shift up to 64♦km/h (40♦mph).
2. Decelerate to a stop.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 a total of 20 times.
Important: If the concern is still present after replacing the half shafts, contact Technical Assistance (TAC).
Parts Information