mefferso

My GL450 has about 90k mi. Over the last couple thousand miles, a shimmy had developed. When driving at any speed over about 50 mph, the steering wheel would shake for a second or two following hitting any significant bump. Since it wasn't a constant shaking, I knew it wasn't tire balance related. I suspected it was the front struts going out, especially since my GL had been bouncing more and more when it shouldn't be. So, I ordered an Arnott strut/air bag combo and changed them out today. Took 4 hours from start to test drive. BINGO, problem fixed. The shimmying is completely gone and the ride is much more composed. FYI to anyone doing the strut replacement themselves, its not a complicated job at all but getting those struts out can be a pain in the butt. I struggled to get the old ones to compress enough to clear the lower control arm.

Tools I can remember using:
3/8" and 1/2" ratchets with various extension
cheater bar
hammer (to tap upper control arm to break the ball joint loose)
needle nose pliers (to insert the air line into new strut)
10mm socket and wrench
13mm socket
16mm socket
17mm socket
21mm socket
15/16" socket and wrench (i didn't have a 24mm for the lower strut bolt)
Floor jack
2 jack stands
patience

Anyways, I hope this post helps anyone with a similar shimmying problem.

alx

shocks prime mission is to quell the spring/airbag afterbump inherit desire to keep bouncing. thus once you hit a bump if there are aftershocks - it is usually a clear indication that your shocks are gone. if left untreated it will also result in hot wear spots on your tires.