front end shake when braking ....

[fsteyer]

Hi ... Last year I had the same problem: when I step on the brakes the front end shimmies violently, really bad. They replaced the outer tie rod ends, brake rotors and pads, etc.
Now its doing the same thing again. When I drive straight (not when I turn) and brake the front end shakes like crazy. There is no play in the wheels and it runs straight and smooth unless I brake.

What could be the most likely cause(s).
I got about 98K on it.
Thanks for any help.

[shurton]

I orginally had the same problem only during breaking, that was on my 15" wheels. I went to 18"s and then it was happening at 60mph regardless of whether I was breaking or not. Upper and lower control arm replacement fixed it all up.

[Zeuk in Oz]

What are your thrust arm bushings like ?

[632 Regal]

any play will cause this shimmy with thrust arm bushings being #1 on the list. Check the nut behind the wheel for play first, it will seem tight but if you wiggle the steering wheel with your hand while feeling for play behind the nut.

[Tiger]

1. Thrust arm first...
2. Lower control arm second...

[fsteyer]

thanks guys .... I'll check it out and report back.