Damn 50-60mph shimmy!!!! :-(

[UK E34]

Yep, I have got it good... so I change the complete thrust arm assemblies and bushes both sides and get the wheels balanced and it's still there!!

The body is literally shaking from side-to-side... no vibration through the steering or brakes - just the body shaking at the front.

My only other guess could be lower control arm bush/swivel wear? The looked and felt OK while I was under the car though...

Any other ideas before I bite the bullet and buy yet more arms?!?!

Thanks!

[LMUNick]

Maybe the ball joints. Tie rod/ends are cheap so its not a huge expense-

[UK E34]

Yeah, I guess that's about all there is left after the lower arms, but it definately feels like it's something that's bolted to the body that's causing it, since there is no steering vibration.

Is the front cross-member/chassis frame mounted to the body on bushes?? Could be those if so?

[Rick L]

Maybe bent rim, "out-of-round" tire(s), or rims not hub-centric? Or all of the above... :(

[rickm]

Double check the tires...I replaced all my front end bits, the thing still shook. Had someone who knew tires well look at them, one of my fronts was out of round. Replaced it, the car is now smooth as glass.

[Kalevera]

True. Get the car up in the air and rotate the wheel, read the tire and wheel and see if anything's bent out of shape or worn unevenly.

Just to be on the safe side, you might also check the wheel bearings while you're at it: grab the spring with one hand and rotate the wheel with the other. A bad bearing can be "felt" in the spring as it crunches along. Even if it's bad, it may not be the source of the problem, but running a messed up wheel/tire for too long doesn't help bearing health.


best, whit

[632 Regal]

Rick Rick and Lowell are dead on here...bets anyone?

[UK E34]

Well, I had the wheels checked out and they are fine - I've tried two sets, both with new tyres on (and both balanced) and still no difference!

If anything, it worse since putting fresh thrust arms on!! I may indeed look to the wheel bearing/hub and stub axle next...

Thanks for all the input guys... need to find the source as it's spoiling an otherwise lovely car :-(

[Jon K]

Rick Rick and Lowell are dead on here...bets anyone?

I am betting worn/failed tie rod end. i know that's what my problem was ;)