UFO shimmy datapoint

[Wolff <wolff_b@ix.netcom.com>]

I replaced the bushings on the front subframe, control arms and
stabilizer bar this weekend to see what effect this would have on UFO
shimmy. Patient is a '91 200 tq with 97k miles. The control arm bushings
did have some pretty serious cracks. Subframe bushings had some cracks,
but weren't horrible. The result: still shimmies, but with a lower
amplitude. Runout of the rotors is .005 inches. Bentley says .002 for
conventional rotors, but doesn't specifically give runout for the UFO's.
Another point worth mentioning is that the rotor surface does not look
uniform around the circumference. Another lister mentioned replacing
control arm bushings with similar results and gave the theory that the
surface of the rotor was not uniform. I must agree. 

Next step: turn those puppies. (Sorta like recharging a bomb)
Wolff
P.S. Pay attention to the fine print in Bently that says to install
subframe bushings with the molded openings aligned front to back in the
car. I didn't but thankfully discovered my mistake before I installed
the subframe back on the car. I was able to turn 3 of them without
removing them. Had to remove one and reinstall.