shocks needed?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
shocks needed?
Well, I got a 4 wheel alignment hoping that it would rid me of a rather disturbing shaking that I get around 55 mph…it goes away about 70 or so. The alignment and balance did nothing (although the car did need adjustment). I checked the ball joints and they seemed fine. There was no mention of any problems/wear with the steering linkages. All the bushings are there and in decent condition. I’m not sure what else could create this issue, other than worn shocks. Thoughts?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Interesting post, orlando.
My '96 is going through something similar; a peculiar slight shake above about 70. I've had all four wheels balanced and a four-wheel alignment in an attempt to cure this. Everything checks out, but the vibration is still there.
I'm going to put the stock wheels/tires back on it in several weeks and see if that affects the problem. I'm thinking a tire issue at this point.....
In my case, anyway, it isn't shocks as they are one-year-old Konis. Shocks would have to be pretty bad to allow shake on an other-wise good car.
Good luck and let us know if you find the cause. I'll do the same.
Larry
code5coupe
My '96 is going through something similar; a peculiar slight shake above about 70. I've had all four wheels balanced and a four-wheel alignment in an attempt to cure this. Everything checks out, but the vibration is still there.
I'm going to put the stock wheels/tires back on it in several weeks and see if that affects the problem. I'm thinking a tire issue at this point.....
In my case, anyway, it isn't shocks as they are one-year-old Konis. Shocks would have to be pretty bad to allow shake on an other-wise good car.
Good luck and let us know if you find the cause. I'll do the same.
Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Feb 27, 2006 at 01:38 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 116
From: OAKLEY CA
Shocks?
[QUOTE=Orlando85UCFvette]Well, I got a 4 wheel alignment hoping that it would rid me of a rather disturbing shaking that I get around 55 mph…it goes away about 70 or so. The alignment and balance did nothing (although the car did need adjustment). I checked the ball joints and they seemed fine. There was no mention of any problems/wear with the steering linkages. All the bushings are there and in decent condition. I’m not sure what else could create this issue, other than worn shocks. Thoughts?[/QUOTE
Vibration in this speed range is almost always tire related. Even though you had the tires balanced, one or more may still be out of balance, or worse, have a tread separating. Testing by replacement will tell you for sure, but is too expensive unless your tires are close to worn out anyway. If someone was nice enough to switch wheels and tires with you just to test it.......I'm in California......maybe someone near you can help.
Vibration in this speed range is almost always tire related. Even though you had the tires balanced, one or more may still be out of balance, or worse, have a tread separating. Testing by replacement will tell you for sure, but is too expensive unless your tires are close to worn out anyway. If someone was nice enough to switch wheels and tires with you just to test it.......I'm in California......maybe someone near you can help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 116
From: OAKLEY CA
Originally Posted by dino89vette
Have all (4) tires/wheels measured using the Hunter GSP 9700. This machine measures the radial forces in the tire and will do a runout check on the wheel.
Good luck,
Dino
Good luck,
Dino
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
thanks dino....so do all shops have that machine or do i call and ask for it by name? ...another thought, could it be the tie rod end ball joints? i would think that would result in bad performance at all speeds.....bottom line is that i am ready to buy shocks if need be, i think they are the originals (83K). but i don't want to just shot gun the problem now.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 0
From: Byron Center MI
Orlando usually they check ball joints and tie rods before doing an alingment. With that said I'm replacing all the bushings, ball joints and tie rods trying to get rid of a shake like you describe. I know this sounds extreme but the car has 110,000 miles on it and it won't hurt. Also, I will be replacing the tires because they are almost gone and they sit alot. try this link. It will help you locate a shop with the Hunter GSP 9700 near you. Hope this helps. Tim
http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm
http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 0
From: Byron Center MI
Originally Posted by ED HEISER
Dino, what is this machine,do tire places have it?
http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/features/how.cfm
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
89vert…thanks for the link…I’ll be calling this afternoon…eventually, I will be replacing all the bushings/ball joints/shocks anyway but I don’t have the $1000 or so to do it all right now. the tires were wearing hard on the outside (camber was off) now that its fixed, I am hoping that this new balance will find my problem. Although if it can’t be balanced in the traditional way, is the only option to buy new tires? I hope not.
As far as wheel bearings and u-joints, they’ve been replaced in the rear, so I hope they haven’t gone bad yet.
As far as wheel bearings and u-joints, they’ve been replaced in the rear, so I hope they haven’t gone bad yet.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Shelby Township Michigan
Sorry for not getting back to you guys sooner. I just finally got back on the web. Thanks to 89vert for providing the link. This machine works well. It looks like a tire balancer, but uses a wheel to measure the radial forces of the tire and can pinpoint a potential problem.
Good luck,
Dino
Good luck,
Dino