Violent Shake
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Violent Shake
Hi All -
1992 with 39,000 miles.
Driving today - just cruising at about 40mph with the top off. I hit a little bump and boom!!! - The car started shaking back and forth violently - steering wheel jerking back and forth in my hands. It continued like this for about 2 seconds and I hit the brakes hard thinking I'd done major damage... The jerking stopped and didn't happen again all day. I took a look for a loose rod on the front suspension - at a glance everything seems in order.
What do you think? (Note - it shook so violently, I'm surprised I didn't break the rear window...)
Thanks
Andy
1992 with 39,000 miles.
Driving today - just cruising at about 40mph with the top off. I hit a little bump and boom!!! - The car started shaking back and forth violently - steering wheel jerking back and forth in my hands. It continued like this for about 2 seconds and I hit the brakes hard thinking I'd done major damage... The jerking stopped and didn't happen again all day. I took a look for a loose rod on the front suspension - at a glance everything seems in order.
What do you think? (Note - it shook so violently, I'm surprised I didn't break the rear window...)
Thanks
Andy
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Jack one side of the car, grasp the tire at the 9 and 3 oclock positions, and try to move it. Then try the 12 and 6 posiitions. Any movement? Do this front and rear, both sides. I'm looking for a bad wheel bearing and / or tie rod end.
Next visually inspect all suspension bushings for wear, rot, etc. Replace anything questionable. Also visually inspect ball joints for wear and damage.
Now...you mentioned it's a 92 with 39K. How old are the tires? Check the date code on the sidewall.....often low mile cars of this age have tires that are dry rotted or hard as a brick.
Check all that out and report back.
Next visually inspect all suspension bushings for wear, rot, etc. Replace anything questionable. Also visually inspect ball joints for wear and damage.
Now...you mentioned it's a 92 with 39K. How old are the tires? Check the date code on the sidewall.....often low mile cars of this age have tires that are dry rotted or hard as a brick.
Check all that out and report back.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
Several older threads on this.
Mine dose it too or did..... I just replaced my tie rod ends front and rear. I can't believe what a difference it made in the handling of the car! Soon I'll try the top off again and see it it helped that shake. I do have one of those braces that hold the back glass open slightly. It helped a lot with the shimmy when the top was off.
Mine dose it too or did..... I just replaced my tie rod ends front and rear. I can't believe what a difference it made in the handling of the car! Soon I'll try the top off again and see it it helped that shake. I do have one of those braces that hold the back glass open slightly. It helped a lot with the shimmy when the top was off.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 456
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From: FL
To check lower ball joints you have to jack control arm, get a manual!
I bought 2 manuf. manuals yesterday for $40 and am very happy! Guy was selling them on Ebay, he lived 1 mile from me! I just showed up at his house. He bought all books from bankrupt GM dealer.
I bought 2 manuf. manuals yesterday for $40 and am very happy! Guy was selling them on Ebay, he lived 1 mile from me! I just showed up at his house. He bought all books from bankrupt GM dealer.
