Steering shimmy dont think its brakes or tires
12-24-2012, 01:53 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chicago
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1972 280SE 4.5, 1999 E430, 2003 SL500
Steering shimmy dont think its brakes or tires
Well I have a bit of a brain teaser going on now.*
1999 E430 95,000miles
The car drove smooth as glass then after a 150mile drive on the interstate a small vibration developed, I didn't hit any major potholes or something obvious to cause it. I've drove it like this for about 1,500 miles, no better or worse in that time.
Slightly shimmy starting about 40mph through 75mph (maybe faster too, haven't tried) through the steering wheel and you can feel it just a little though the chassis too (i.e. holding the door handle or knee against the center console). It's a minor shimmy, not real strong.
Both my mechanic and I can't figure it out and his suggestion is drive it till it gets worse. Thinking possibly a u joint binding slightly but it's just a guess.
So far I have tried the following
Wheels/Tires: I have had the tires balanced twice, no change. Had the tires replaced with new, no change. We borrowed a different set of wheels and tires and swapped all of them and still no change. So tire issues are pretty ruled out.
Suspension: sway bar mounts and bushings have been changed in the last 7,000 miles along with motor mounts. Front wheel bearings were repacked and adjusted. All of this was done Pre shimmy.
Brakes: I replaced rotors, pads, fluid, etc. Pre shimmy about 5,000 miles ago. There is no additional shimmy when braking and I tried braking at 75 while also holding the speed with the gas and the shimmy doesn't change.
Drivetrain: if I downshift, upshift (various rpm, holding same speed) there is no change in shimmy. *The flex discs, harmonic balancer, water pump, tensioner, serpentine belt, coolant hoses, *trans fluid, filter, orings etc. were changed 7,000 ago, Pre shimmy. Fuel filter and pump were changes post shimmy (different issue).
All the plastic pans underneath are secure etc. so nothing is flapping around. No new strange noises etc.
I guess that's about everything...any guesses?
1999 E430 95,000miles
The car drove smooth as glass then after a 150mile drive on the interstate a small vibration developed, I didn't hit any major potholes or something obvious to cause it. I've drove it like this for about 1,500 miles, no better or worse in that time.
Slightly shimmy starting about 40mph through 75mph (maybe faster too, haven't tried) through the steering wheel and you can feel it just a little though the chassis too (i.e. holding the door handle or knee against the center console). It's a minor shimmy, not real strong.
Both my mechanic and I can't figure it out and his suggestion is drive it till it gets worse. Thinking possibly a u joint binding slightly but it's just a guess.
So far I have tried the following
Wheels/Tires: I have had the tires balanced twice, no change. Had the tires replaced with new, no change. We borrowed a different set of wheels and tires and swapped all of them and still no change. So tire issues are pretty ruled out.
Suspension: sway bar mounts and bushings have been changed in the last 7,000 miles along with motor mounts. Front wheel bearings were repacked and adjusted. All of this was done Pre shimmy.
Brakes: I replaced rotors, pads, fluid, etc. Pre shimmy about 5,000 miles ago. There is no additional shimmy when braking and I tried braking at 75 while also holding the speed with the gas and the shimmy doesn't change.
Drivetrain: if I downshift, upshift (various rpm, holding same speed) there is no change in shimmy. *The flex discs, harmonic balancer, water pump, tensioner, serpentine belt, coolant hoses, *trans fluid, filter, orings etc. were changed 7,000 ago, Pre shimmy. Fuel filter and pump were changes post shimmy (different issue).
All the plastic pans underneath are secure etc. so nothing is flapping around. No new strange noises etc.
I guess that's about everything...any guesses?
12-24-2012, 03:48 PM
#2
Out Of Control!!
I would put the car on a lift and then start to check and then eliminate all the non steering items that you think are associated with the shimmy.
My point based on not seeing the car and what you have said, I believe the shimmy is being produced in the front end---where----your guess is as good as mine----I would see a front end specialist(alignment) God Luck!
My point based on not seeing the car and what you have said, I believe the shimmy is being produced in the front end---where----your guess is as good as mine----I would see a front end specialist(alignment) God Luck!
