speed specific "shimmy"

hello, I have a 1995 900SE V6 with 130000mi... recently i have noticed a speed specific shimmy which begins at around 65 mph and gets pretty bad by 75 or so... it has become violent enough that the passenger side belt buckle thrashes around to some unknown resonant frequency at this speed. It becomes most violent during heavy breaking, especially coming down a particular hill. any clues? my mechanic and I are at our wit's end... he wants to just start replacing things, and I am more of the bubble gum and duct tape school fix-it school. thanks, -trip

Reply to
nobody
Loading thread data ...

Could be lots of things, but the most common (roughly in this order) are:

Front wheel balance Rear wheel balance Warped front disks Play in steering (rack or track rods) Worn upper strut bearing Play in engine mounts

So first have the wheels balanced, then start looking for wear in the front suspension/steering. If you're sure there's none, start looking for wear in the rear suspension.

Since you say it gets worse during heavy braking, I'm thinking warped disks.

Reply to
Grunff

Salutations:

All the above, specifically have your man take a pry bar and try to wiggle the lower front control arms at the frame with the wheels off the ground. My lower control arm bushings were shot (rubber went) and presented exactly the same symptoms.

Good to see you back brother Grunff..

Reply to
Dexter J

My van does this (my Saab does not)...

After having taken it into the shop and having the front end drive components checked out - it turned out it was the tires.

Replaced those and the shimmy went away.

Craig

Reply to
C Sats

Thanks, I jacked it up and looked- probably a warped disk... and possibly messed up front caliper... but it could be worse, so thanks so much for the suggestions, and hopefully soon I'll have her all fixed up and can fully enjoy her again. -trip

Reply to
nobody

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.