Shimmy
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 79
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From: PA
Shimmy
I have 93 LT1.
Ive had an ongoing problem for a few years now. Its best noticed when i leave work because i get right on I80 and get the vette up to about 70MPH and the steering wheel shimmys. And its not allignment because it did the same thing the very next day after an allignment.
Also more of a concerne is say im driving around a bend, doesnt matter what speed., and around that bend there is a bump or hole, etc. Well the scariest thing happend to me that i almost lost control of the car. The steering wheel started shaking for a few seconds so bad after hitting this bump. Now anytime i hit a bump or hole it just seems like the car doesnt take it as well as it should.
What could be the problem?
Thanks
Ive had an ongoing problem for a few years now. Its best noticed when i leave work because i get right on I80 and get the vette up to about 70MPH and the steering wheel shimmys. And its not allignment because it did the same thing the very next day after an allignment.
Also more of a concerne is say im driving around a bend, doesnt matter what speed., and around that bend there is a bump or hole, etc. Well the scariest thing happend to me that i almost lost control of the car. The steering wheel started shaking for a few seconds so bad after hitting this bump. Now anytime i hit a bump or hole it just seems like the car doesnt take it as well as it should.
What could be the problem?
Thanks
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 628
Likes: 6
I have exactly the same problem - the steering wheel shimmys at 60-70 MPH and I have occasionally gone around a right hand bend and found the wheel almost breaks out of my hands, it vibrates that much.
HOWEVER - this is only a problem when the car/tyres are cold. If the ambient temp is above about 65 degrees than all is fine - the car is tight as anything.
The theory is that I have old front tyres with plenty of tread - and they take a bit of warming up.
I hope this helps?
HOWEVER - this is only a problem when the car/tyres are cold. If the ambient temp is above about 65 degrees than all is fine - the car is tight as anything.
The theory is that I have old front tyres with plenty of tread - and they take a bit of warming up.
I hope this helps?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: PA
Originally Posted by djxib
I have exactly the same problem - the steering wheel shimmys at 60-70 MPH and I have occasionally gone around a right hand bend and found the wheel almost breaks out of my hands, it vibrates that much.
HOWEVER - this is only a problem when the car/tyres are cold. If the ambient temp is above about 65 degrees than all is fine - the car is tight as anything.
The theory is that I have old front tyres with plenty of tread - and they take a bit of warming up.
I hope this helps?
HOWEVER - this is only a problem when the car/tyres are cold. If the ambient temp is above about 65 degrees than all is fine - the car is tight as anything.
The theory is that I have old front tyres with plenty of tread - and they take a bit of warming up.
I hope this helps?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
The front end alignment should have identifed any suspension issues..
That leads me to believe it is a tire/wheel balance issue that occurs based on harmonics. IT only happens when the two front wheels are in a certain alignment. Once you drive and make a few turns the radius of those turns means the tires have travelled a differnt differnce and the harmonics disappears.
Find a local tire shop with a Hunter Road Force balance. They are the best machine to sort out this problem.
Follow this link to find one near you
http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/FindGSP9700.cfm
That leads me to believe it is a tire/wheel balance issue that occurs based on harmonics. IT only happens when the two front wheels are in a certain alignment. Once you drive and make a few turns the radius of those turns means the tires have travelled a differnt differnce and the harmonics disappears.
Find a local tire shop with a Hunter Road Force balance. They are the best machine to sort out this problem.
Follow this link to find one near you
http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/FindGSP9700.cfm
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 628
Likes: 6
I left work tonight to 80 degree temperatures, and the car was a smooth as anything on the way home - a real pleasure to drive.. arrived home with a big smile. For me, I'm going with the old-tyre theory... but I am going to replace them in a couple of months time anyway because the cold shimmy is alarming. I'll let y'all know how it goes..
