Weird Shimmy
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 80
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From: Raleigh United States
Weird Shimmy
Today when we took the 1979 bronco out the front would start to shimmy back inforth to the left i think. it would start to pull the wheel and i would have to hold it tight and slow down to stop it. It seemed to happen mostly during 30 to 45 miles an hour. I cant figure out what is casuing this shimmy to happen. im not sure if it is my brake booster applying to much pressure or my rotors are messed up. Im also thinking it could be the timing or carb for some reason. Also would teh fact that the balanced weight used on the tires got scraped off enough to cause the car to shake funny cause that happens to until we get to about 50 miles an hour. any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
joseph
joseph
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 937
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Weird Shimmy
If you've got problems w/tire weights that could certainly be the issue. Could be about 100 other things, too, check everything related to the frontend including the track bar bushings. It'd only be your rotors if it happens when you apply the brakes.
New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Corvallis, Oregon USA
Weird Shimmy
If the problem is "wheel balance" related, it will continue to get worse with speed. There won't be any higher speeds where the shimmy will stop.
It is possible that it is brake related, but hard to tell from your description. It could also be steering/suspension or alignment related.
If you can, jack the front end up and set on jack stands. Spin the wheels and have someone modulate the brakes. Check for even, smooth operation on both sides. The pull the wheels off and take a good look at the brakes. Look for anything out of place.
If you haven't found the problem yet, put the wheels back on and set it back on the ground. Try having someone turn the wheels while you get under and watch "stuff". Pay close attention to any play in the panhard bar (at both ends)and bushings, etc.
If you still haven't found the problem, take it to a reputable alignment shop and have them check toe and caster angles.
It is possible that it is brake related, but hard to tell from your description. It could also be steering/suspension or alignment related.
If you can, jack the front end up and set on jack stands. Spin the wheels and have someone modulate the brakes. Check for even, smooth operation on both sides. The pull the wheels off and take a good look at the brakes. Look for anything out of place.
If you haven't found the problem yet, put the wheels back on and set it back on the ground. Try having someone turn the wheels while you get under and watch "stuff". Pay close attention to any play in the panhard bar (at both ends)and bushings, etc.
If you still haven't found the problem, take it to a reputable alignment shop and have them check toe and caster angles.
