Re: brake shimmy (bad!)

[David Head <dave.head@worldnet.att.net>]

Brake rotors, tie rod ends, sway bar end bushings, control arm inner bushings in
that order...

"D.A.K." wrote:

> What do you make of this?
>
> On my '87 5KTQ, I get a terrible shimmy when I brake at highway speeds (about
> 70mph). When I'm driving on surface streets (around town), it is smooth.
> The steering wheel shakes violently when this is happening.
>
> Some may remember my recent front suspension overhaul. I did the control arms,
> tie rod ends, and upper strut bearings and bushings. I had the shimmy before
> all of that work. I thought it was bad ball joints and had confirmed play in
> one of them.
> I have the car sheduled for an alignment next tuesday and would like to figure
> this out by then. I'm using my old snow tires for now (so I don't trash my
> new tires). Could something like low tire pressure, slightly warped brakes
> or something else cause this? I replaced my front brake disks/pads 1.5 years
> ago.
>
> My wheel bearings/axles are in good shape. The steering rack is Jorgen from 2.5
> years ago.
>
> Thanks for any insights!
>
> David Kavanagh
>
> PS. Also, my drivers side door handle is almost non functional now, my key
> sometimes gets stuck in the ignition (can't turn totally off to extract it),
> and several other maladies... When it rains, it pours. I'm currently planning
> to have this car last another 5 years for me. Let's hope!!