'96 GC front end starting to shimmy
I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last
month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire lug nuts and they're all tight. What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be causing the shimmy? Thanks and Best Regards, Marcel |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
If you can feel a shimmy, you need to replace your steering
dampener, number 21 at: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/grand_c...sionZJ9398.htm Of course, something else is trigger it, form wheel balance, or out of round, wheel bearings, axle universal joints, tierod ends, track bar or control arms bushings, any one of which could be the cause and need replacement: http://www.----------.com/TJalign.htm God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O mailto:-------------------- maleemi wrote: > > I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? > > Thanks and Best Regards, > > Marcel |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
If you can feel a shimmy, you need to replace your steering
dampener, number 21 at: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/grand_c...sionZJ9398.htm Of course, something else is trigger it, form wheel balance, or out of round, wheel bearings, axle universal joints, tierod ends, track bar or control arms bushings, any one of which could be the cause and need replacement: http://www.----------.com/TJalign.htm God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O mailto:-------------------- maleemi wrote: > > I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? > > Thanks and Best Regards, > > Marcel |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
If you can feel a shimmy, you need to replace your steering
dampener, number 21 at: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/grand_c...sionZJ9398.htm Of course, something else is trigger it, form wheel balance, or out of round, wheel bearings, axle universal joints, tierod ends, track bar or control arms bushings, any one of which could be the cause and need replacement: http://www.----------.com/TJalign.htm God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O mailto:-------------------- maleemi wrote: > > I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? > > Thanks and Best Regards, > > Marcel |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
maleemi did pass the time by typing:
> I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? It's called deathwobble and it only gets worse. Eventually it can get to the point where your front wheels are dribbling down the road. Generally what sets it off is uneven pavement similar to hitting a speed bump diagonally. Although just one pothole or unbalanced tire can set it off. A few questions to start this off. How old are the shocks? How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering linkage)? How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? -- -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge! |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
maleemi did pass the time by typing:
> I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? It's called deathwobble and it only gets worse. Eventually it can get to the point where your front wheels are dribbling down the road. Generally what sets it off is uneven pavement similar to hitting a speed bump diagonally. Although just one pothole or unbalanced tire can set it off. A few questions to start this off. How old are the shocks? How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering linkage)? How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? -- -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge! |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
maleemi did pass the time by typing:
> I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? It's called deathwobble and it only gets worse. Eventually it can get to the point where your front wheels are dribbling down the road. Generally what sets it off is uneven pavement similar to hitting a speed bump diagonally. Although just one pothole or unbalanced tire can set it off. A few questions to start this off. How old are the shocks? How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering linkage)? How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? -- -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge! |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
> A few questions to start this off. > > How old are the shocks? They are the original shocks that came with the car (125,000 miles). FWIW even though they have a lot of miles on 'em they seem to be in pretty good shape, when I depress each corner of the jeep and release, they stablize quickly....no excess bouncing. > How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? The tires have 40,000 miles on 'em and are showing a little more than 1/8" of tread. I realize they'll need to be replaced in the next 5,000-10,000 miles. They are properly inflated. > How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering linkage)? It's never been replaced (125,000 miles) > How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? I had them balanced when I bought the tires (40,000 miles). Should I rebalance the tires first and see if that clears things up or should I replace the steering damper first? Is it possible to test the damper without replacing it? How difficult is it to replace the damper on a '96 Grand? Thanks for the prompt replies! |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
> A few questions to start this off. > > How old are the shocks? They are the original shocks that came with the car (125,000 miles). FWIW even though they have a lot of miles on 'em they seem to be in pretty good shape, when I depress each corner of the jeep and release, they stablize quickly....no excess bouncing. > How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? The tires have 40,000 miles on 'em and are showing a little more than 1/8" of tread. I realize they'll need to be replaced in the next 5,000-10,000 miles. They are properly inflated. > How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering linkage)? It's never been replaced (125,000 miles) > How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? I had them balanced when I bought the tires (40,000 miles). Should I rebalance the tires first and see if that clears things up or should I replace the steering damper first? Is it possible to test the damper without replacing it? How difficult is it to replace the damper on a '96 Grand? Thanks for the prompt replies! |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
> A few questions to start this off. > > How old are the shocks? They are the original shocks that came with the car (125,000 miles). FWIW even though they have a lot of miles on 'em they seem to be in pretty good shape, when I depress each corner of the jeep and release, they stablize quickly....no excess bouncing. > How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? The tires have 40,000 miles on 'em and are showing a little more than 1/8" of tread. I realize they'll need to be replaced in the next 5,000-10,000 miles. They are properly inflated. > How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering linkage)? It's never been replaced (125,000 miles) > How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? I had them balanced when I bought the tires (40,000 miles). Should I rebalance the tires first and see if that clears things up or should I replace the steering damper first? Is it possible to test the damper without replacing it? How difficult is it to replace the damper on a '96 Grand? Thanks for the prompt replies! |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
On Wed, 24 May 2006 00:31:12 GMT, maleemi <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote:
>I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last >month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, >very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. >It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness >of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still >minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire >lug nuts and they're all tight. > >What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be >causing the shimmy? > >Thanks and Best Regards, > >Marcel Track Bar Bushings Worn Tie Rod Ends Worn Drag Link Bushings Worn Tire Balance and Roundness Front End Alignment Steering Stabilizer ---- |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
On Wed, 24 May 2006 00:31:12 GMT, maleemi <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote:
>I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last >month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, >very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. >It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness >of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still >minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire >lug nuts and they're all tight. > >What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be >causing the shimmy? > >Thanks and Best Regards, > >Marcel Track Bar Bushings Worn Tie Rod Ends Worn Drag Link Bushings Worn Tire Balance and Roundness Front End Alignment Steering Stabilizer ---- |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
On Wed, 24 May 2006 00:31:12 GMT, maleemi <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote:
>I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last >month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, >very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. >It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness >of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still >minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire >lug nuts and they're all tight. > >What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be >causing the shimmy? > >Thanks and Best Regards, > >Marcel Track Bar Bushings Worn Tie Rod Ends Worn Drag Link Bushings Worn Tire Balance and Roundness Front End Alignment Steering Stabilizer ---- |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
maleemi did pass the time by typing:
>> A few questions to start this off. >> >> How old are the shocks? > They are the original shocks that came with the car (125,000 miles). > FWIW even though they have a lot of miles on 'em they seem to be in > pretty good shape, when I depress each corner of the jeep and release, > they stablize quickly....no excess bouncing. I'd bee thinking new shocks. My originals only lasted about 50,000 miles. New shocks will help loads in crosswinds. >> How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? > The tires have 40,000 miles on 'em and are showing a little more than > 1/8" of tread. I realize they'll need to be replaced in the next > 5,000-10,000 miles. They are properly inflated. Any "cupping", "feathering", or odd wear patterns. ref: http://www.partsamerica.com/MaintenanceTireProblem.aspx Pictures, but actually for big-rigs http://www.kaltire.com/commercial/me...es/cupping.php On solid axles you will see cupping on the tire opposite of the weak shock. Think of it this way. One tire is going up/down which is acting on the axle to cause the other tire to scrub side-to-side. >> How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering >> linkage)? > It's never been replaced (125,000 miles) Also up for replacement. It's hard to tell with the unit in place. >> How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? > > I had them balanced when I bought the tires (40,000 miles). > > Should I rebalance the tires first and see if that clears things up or > should I replace the steering damper first? Is it possible to test the > damper without replacing it? How difficult is it to replace the damper > on a '96 Grand? I'd have the tires rebalanced/rotated and replace the damper. Far as I know it's not possible to test the damper before removing. Replacement is fairly easy if you have the tools. You need a pitman arm puller http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/lis41900.html to press the stud out. The rest is just basic nuts and bolts. Most AutoZone, PepBoy, Canadian Tire, etc will loan tools. Some tire shops have reasonable rates to replace the damper. All depends on how much work you want to do. While your looking under the front end you should go ahead and check the CV boots and sway bar/track bar mounts. I've had problems with the antisway bar mounts breaking on my ZJ. It usually sounds like creaking/popping on turns and when it lets loose the vehicle tends to dive more to one side than the other on turning or under braking. http://revbeergoggles.com/swaybar/ -- DougW |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
maleemi did pass the time by typing:
>> A few questions to start this off. >> >> How old are the shocks? > They are the original shocks that came with the car (125,000 miles). > FWIW even though they have a lot of miles on 'em they seem to be in > pretty good shape, when I depress each corner of the jeep and release, > they stablize quickly....no excess bouncing. I'd bee thinking new shocks. My originals only lasted about 50,000 miles. New shocks will help loads in crosswinds. >> How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? > The tires have 40,000 miles on 'em and are showing a little more than > 1/8" of tread. I realize they'll need to be replaced in the next > 5,000-10,000 miles. They are properly inflated. Any "cupping", "feathering", or odd wear patterns. ref: http://www.partsamerica.com/MaintenanceTireProblem.aspx Pictures, but actually for big-rigs http://www.kaltire.com/commercial/me...es/cupping.php On solid axles you will see cupping on the tire opposite of the weak shock. Think of it this way. One tire is going up/down which is acting on the axle to cause the other tire to scrub side-to-side. >> How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering >> linkage)? > It's never been replaced (125,000 miles) Also up for replacement. It's hard to tell with the unit in place. >> How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? > > I had them balanced when I bought the tires (40,000 miles). > > Should I rebalance the tires first and see if that clears things up or > should I replace the steering damper first? Is it possible to test the > damper without replacing it? How difficult is it to replace the damper > on a '96 Grand? I'd have the tires rebalanced/rotated and replace the damper. Far as I know it's not possible to test the damper before removing. Replacement is fairly easy if you have the tools. You need a pitman arm puller http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/lis41900.html to press the stud out. The rest is just basic nuts and bolts. Most AutoZone, PepBoy, Canadian Tire, etc will loan tools. Some tire shops have reasonable rates to replace the damper. All depends on how much work you want to do. While your looking under the front end you should go ahead and check the CV boots and sway bar/track bar mounts. I've had problems with the antisway bar mounts breaking on my ZJ. It usually sounds like creaking/popping on turns and when it lets loose the vehicle tends to dive more to one side than the other on turning or under braking. http://revbeergoggles.com/swaybar/ -- DougW |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
maleemi did pass the time by typing:
>> A few questions to start this off. >> >> How old are the shocks? > They are the original shocks that came with the car (125,000 miles). > FWIW even though they have a lot of miles on 'em they seem to be in > pretty good shape, when I depress each corner of the jeep and release, > they stablize quickly....no excess bouncing. I'd bee thinking new shocks. My originals only lasted about 50,000 miles. New shocks will help loads in crosswinds. >> How old are the tires are are they properly inflated? > The tires have 40,000 miles on 'em and are showing a little more than > 1/8" of tread. I realize they'll need to be replaced in the next > 5,000-10,000 miles. They are properly inflated. Any "cupping", "feathering", or odd wear patterns. ref: http://www.partsamerica.com/MaintenanceTireProblem.aspx Pictures, but actually for big-rigs http://www.kaltire.com/commercial/me...es/cupping.php On solid axles you will see cupping on the tire opposite of the weak shock. Think of it this way. One tire is going up/down which is acting on the axle to cause the other tire to scrub side-to-side. >> How old is the steering stablizer (shock looking device on the steering >> linkage)? > It's never been replaced (125,000 miles) Also up for replacement. It's hard to tell with the unit in place. >> How long has it been since you ballanced the tires? > > I had them balanced when I bought the tires (40,000 miles). > > Should I rebalance the tires first and see if that clears things up or > should I replace the steering damper first? Is it possible to test the > damper without replacing it? How difficult is it to replace the damper > on a '96 Grand? I'd have the tires rebalanced/rotated and replace the damper. Far as I know it's not possible to test the damper before removing. Replacement is fairly easy if you have the tools. You need a pitman arm puller http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/lis41900.html to press the stud out. The rest is just basic nuts and bolts. Most AutoZone, PepBoy, Canadian Tire, etc will loan tools. Some tire shops have reasonable rates to replace the damper. All depends on how much work you want to do. While your looking under the front end you should go ahead and check the CV boots and sway bar/track bar mounts. I've had problems with the antisway bar mounts breaking on my ZJ. It usually sounds like creaking/popping on turns and when it lets loose the vehicle tends to dive more to one side than the other on turning or under braking. http://revbeergoggles.com/swaybar/ -- DougW |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
Before I started wasting piles of money tossing parts at it I would get
down under and watch the moving parts while someone else turns the steering wheel pin to pin. I would first be looking for the whole axle moving side to side because of a worn out track bar bushing on the axle end or a dead ball joint on the frame end of the track bar. I then would be checking the tie rod ends for movement up and down as the steering pins side to side. I then would look closely at the steering damper shock to see if it looks like the fluid has leaked out. If all this passed, I would jack up each front tire and give it a good shake to see if the bearings are going out and spinning the tire to see if it has gone out of round. And then, just because it can make the strangest shimmy, to the point I thought I was going to have a tire fall off, I would grab the radiator fan with a cold off engine to see if it was floppy or loose feeling. I had soft engine mounts and the shimmy drove me nuts for a while until the fan finally started eating the shroud. Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590 (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page) maleemi wrote: > > I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? > > Thanks and Best Regards, > > Marcel |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
Before I started wasting piles of money tossing parts at it I would get
down under and watch the moving parts while someone else turns the steering wheel pin to pin. I would first be looking for the whole axle moving side to side because of a worn out track bar bushing on the axle end or a dead ball joint on the frame end of the track bar. I then would be checking the tie rod ends for movement up and down as the steering pins side to side. I then would look closely at the steering damper shock to see if it looks like the fluid has leaked out. If all this passed, I would jack up each front tire and give it a good shake to see if the bearings are going out and spinning the tire to see if it has gone out of round. And then, just because it can make the strangest shimmy, to the point I thought I was going to have a tire fall off, I would grab the radiator fan with a cold off engine to see if it was floppy or loose feeling. I had soft engine mounts and the shimmy drove me nuts for a while until the fan finally started eating the shroud. Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590 (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page) maleemi wrote: > > I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? > > Thanks and Best Regards, > > Marcel |
Re: '96 GC front end starting to shimmy
Before I started wasting piles of money tossing parts at it I would get
down under and watch the moving parts while someone else turns the steering wheel pin to pin. I would first be looking for the whole axle moving side to side because of a worn out track bar bushing on the axle end or a dead ball joint on the frame end of the track bar. I then would be checking the tie rod ends for movement up and down as the steering pins side to side. I then would look closely at the steering damper shock to see if it looks like the fluid has leaked out. If all this passed, I would jack up each front tire and give it a good shake to see if the bearings are going out and spinning the tire to see if it has gone out of round. And then, just because it can make the strangest shimmy, to the point I thought I was going to have a tire fall off, I would grab the radiator fan with a cold off engine to see if it was floppy or loose feeling. I had soft engine mounts and the shimmy drove me nuts for a while until the fan finally started eating the shroud. Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590 (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page) maleemi wrote: > > I have a '96 6 cylinder Laredo Grand with 125,000 miles on it. Last > month I thought I noticed an occasional slight shimmy in the front end, > very slight wobbling and a bit of feedback through the steering wheel. > It wasn't constant and seemed to be somewhat dependent on the smoothness > of the road. It's gotten a bit more pronounced over time although still > minor but I'm concerned it may indicate a problem. I've checked the tire > lug nuts and they're all tight. > > What else should I be checking? Does anyone have any idea what might be > causing the shimmy? > > Thanks and Best Regards, > > Marcel |
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