Front end shake on a '96 lt4???
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Front end shake on a '96 lt4???
I have a shake in the front end that develops around 50 or so and gets worse at about 65 to 70. Went to a buddies shop and I think we narrowed it down to an inner tie rod on the drivers side. When the car is off and you move the wheel, there's a little click sound coming from the rack on the drivers side. Are these replaceable? Or, do you have to replace the whole rack? Car has 50K on it.
Looking for some advice please on this. If the whole rack has to be replaced, is it a tough job. Is the inner tie rod a tough job?
Thanks for the help.
Looking for some advice please on this. If the whole rack has to be replaced, is it a tough job. Is the inner tie rod a tough job?
Thanks for the help.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
A replacement rack would be the best way to go. If you just replaced the one inner tie rod, you still have the other one. Finding a kit to rebuild a rack might even be an issue. In any event, the rack has to be removed.
Have you considered a tire that's out of round or possibly a internal cord separation? Vibrations like that often atart are around 50 and will get worse as speed increases. Also check for a loss of wheel weights or a wheel that may not be true.
Have you considered a tire that's out of round or possibly a internal cord separation? Vibrations like that often atart are around 50 and will get worse as speed increases. Also check for a loss of wheel weights or a wheel that may not be true.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 82
From: Toronto ontario
Tie rods are Not a tough job at all. place a hand on the rack itself in the middle and try to 'feel' the click. see if its coming from inside the rack or perhaps the ends. it might be the balljoints. Try to narrow it down before you go throwing money at it.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
From: Newington CT
You don't need to remove the rack at all if you have the right tool to change the inner tie rods.
Found it here.
http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=900
This tool is available at most good auto parts stores and sometimes Sears.
Found it here.
http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=900
This tool is available at most good auto parts stores and sometimes Sears.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
I didn't want to write a book about it but, I really do think that it's the inner tie rod because there seems to be a little bit of play on that end and none on the pass side. Plus there is a little bit of funky tire wear on the drivers side tire... The other thing I noticed also is that when driven ay highway speeds and I catch a bump, the steering wheel flutters a bit. It really feels like there's something loose up there. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thank you again guys!!!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
3 sets of rims on the car in two years, and different tires on each set.
(first two sawblades, 1 set chrome, one set from a '93), current brand new grandsport repros.
High speed balanced with sticky weights. Problem still there.
I'd like to blame tire balance again, but I've had the problem through way too many wheels and tires. Oh yeah, replaced the rotors and pads after the 2nd set.
Anyhow. I get a shake too.. from about 54-68 MPH, wheel jerks from side to side.
I'm starting to think tie rods..
-- Joe
