Shaky front end. 1974 corvette.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
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Shaky front end. 1974 corvette.
Here is the most recent work done on my corvette.
1. All power steering components replaced.
2. switched from American Racing wheels back to original Ralley wheels.
3. Had shims installed (both upper control arms) to correct a steering issue.
I have NOT had an alignment performed yet.
My problem is that since all of this work has been completed. my front end is a bit shaky when driving at low + high speeds. I checked my struts and rear shocks and they are all working as they should.
Since the wheels + shims have been added + replaced, should I go get an alignment? I'm afraid if I get an alignment they will remove my shims from the control arms.
1. All power steering components replaced.
2. switched from American Racing wheels back to original Ralley wheels.
3. Had shims installed (both upper control arms) to correct a steering issue.
I have NOT had an alignment performed yet.
My problem is that since all of this work has been completed. my front end is a bit shaky when driving at low + high speeds. I checked my struts and rear shocks and they are all working as they should.
Since the wheels + shims have been added + replaced, should I go get an alignment? I'm afraid if I get an alignment they will remove my shims from the control arms.
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
True! Find a reputable alignment shop and let them find and correct the problem
If it persists find a shop that has experience with C3 Corvettes and let them do a rear wheel alignment which is necessary on C3 Vettes.
If it persists find a shop that has experience with C3 Corvettes and let them do a rear wheel alignment which is necessary on C3 Vettes.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Dripping Springs Texas
Just FYI - I had what I thought was tire imbalance from the front end of my '73 and it persisted even after an alignment. Put new shocks on the car in the course of 'replacing the old stuff' and the shaky front end disappeared. My shocks were decades old - may not be your issue. Good luck.
2026 Loser of the Year
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Central UT
* if you have rally wheels, torque your lug nuts to 75 lb ft (100 if aluminum)
* tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (do one, and then the opposite, then repeat)
* tighten them in increments 50, 60, then 75
Or just do what many do: use an impact wrench and a star pattern. Always a star pattern no matter what.
You probably already know all of this anyway.
Melting Slicks
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I’m confused. The shims are to align the front end (camber and caster). If you added shims for any other reason, there is your problem.
So, why did you add shims?
So, why did you add shims?
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Instructor
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So the problem I had was this. Anytime I would brake, the steering wheel would make a very hard, sudden left turn. My mechanic put in alignment shims and that problem has gone away. He checked the struts, then the brakes & pads to see if they were causing my issue but those were fine. He saw that the upper control arms had no shims and put in those shims on the upper control arms.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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you need an alignment, then go from there. You cant just put in shims, there is a spec for them
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
A sudden jerk in either direction only when applying brakes has nothing to do with a wheel alignment issue. You have two different things going on here and a good mechanic should know that. If its pulling to the left, then the right front caliper is asleep. Find out why.
Last time the front hoses were changed was . . . . . . . . ?
Last time the front hoses were changed was . . . . . . . . ?
Team Owner
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From: Huntsville AL
So the problem I had was this. Anytime I would brake, the steering wheel would make a very hard, sudden left turn. My mechanic put in alignment shims and that problem has gone away. He checked the struts, then the brakes & pads to see if they were causing my issue but those were fine. He saw that the upper control arms had no shims and put in those shims on the upper control arms.
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How long have you had this car? I’ve never seen a corvette that didn’t have alignment shims installed to properly set camber and caster unless they fell out. Perhaps the upper control arm was loose given yours fell out and your “mechanic” installed some to fill the gap, but frankly just sticking shims in the upper control arm and calling it good tells me your mechanic is a hack. Did he at least tell you that you need an alignment? To be a better customer, I suggest you understand the fundamentals of your Corvette including the purpose of the components and how they work. Specifically, the brakes, suspension, steering and drivetrain.