My 68 BB gets a front end shake around 50mph. The steering wheel also shivers side to side at the same time. Would this be alignment issues? My front suspention looks original w/aprox. 40k miles.
Thanks,
Jim
Thanks,
Jim
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Re: 68 front end shake
Jim hope you get a responce that is dead on for the reason of what you are experiencing. This has happened to me last Sunday. Usually only drive the 68 on Sunday for a drive to get it out of the garage. I asked, could it be doing this because my 68 was not driven for about 3 years and the old tires are causing this. I thought I could one day remove the wheels/tires from my 1970 for a test run. The 70 is so smooth with new tires Goodyear Eagle GTII's this year.
My shiver experience was at about 55-56 mph. Went away at higher or lower speeds. I also question if my original wheels are not running true. A couple monts ago cleaned/repacked my front wheel bearings on the 68. Bearing clearance is not the problem. My steering damper, no power steering, is the original installed unit at the factory. -
Re: 68 front end shake
I didn't think it was tire related because they are new Goodrich TAs.. so if my suspension parts are worn out (old bushings look original) that would cause shaking??
If i do need new bushings, do I look at rubber or poly?
thanks.Comment
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Re: 68 front end shake
Do the easy, inexpensive stuff first.
Move the tires from front to back. One of them could be out of balance (weight lost) or have broken cords inside the tire. And yes these can happen to new tires.
Then inspect the front suspension. Not just look. There are procedures to check the play in the ball joints, bushings, and tie rod ends. It is not rocket science, but if you don't know how they are given in your Chassis Service Manual -- complete with drawings and photos. If you don't think you are up to doing a good front and rear suspension inspection try to find a competent shop. The front end is the same as millions of cars manufactured for the last 50 years, however the rear takes some Corvette specific knowledge. Ask your mates in your local NCRS Chapter who does good work in your area.TerryComment
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Re: 68 front end shake
Don't discount anything so quickly, this stuff is easy to check. Check for a belt separation. They can also be flat spotted from sitting. Put those tires on the back and see what happens. Check for play in the tie rod ends, ball joints, and wheel bearings both on the ground and on the jack. Make sure that all of the bolts on the suspension are tight. Make sure the caliper is tight. It is probably not the caliper itself because you don't feel it at low speeds also.
Are the shocks in good shape? An out-of-balance wheel/tire can be amplified by a weak shock.
If you can't find the problem, take it back to the place where you bought the tires and have them look at it.
Poly bushings do not flex as easily as rubber and will give you a much harsher ride.Comment
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Re: 68 front end shake
Jim, I think Terry has a good point check the tires first, a balance issue will surely cause a shimmer in the steering wheel. if this problem is as of recent after tire replacement thats where I would head, whats to say the tire machine was properly calibrated. or the weights put on in the right position. try the swapping of tires also front to rear.
If your sure about the tire balancing, head to checking the tie rods and idler arm excessive play in these componets will also cause a shimmy.Last edited by Edward J.; October 3, 2010, 12:35 PM.New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.Comment
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Re: 68 front end shake
James,
An addition to all the good replys.
This is a very easy way to check your complete front suspension but takes 2 people.
Have someone sit in your car and slightly turn the steering wheel left and right (just enough so the wheels won't move)and look at each joint for movement. Check that the movement directly moves the part that it is attached to.
Don't forget the idler arm ( my suspicion) that hides behind the suspension and is attached to your right frame that attaches to your drag link.
Best done with weight on wheels but you can also catch it if you have the front off the ground.
You can do it another way by grabing your tire ( one hand in front and the other in the back) and simulate a turn while looking at all the joints for the one that moves without transfering the movement to the one it is conected to.Comment
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Re: 68 front end shake
Jim-----
Have front rotors ever been replaced on this car (check for drilled-out rivets)? If so, the imbalance could be in the rotor/hub assembly and not the tire. If this has occurred the only practical way to correct it is to have the wheels and tire assembly balanced on the car. That can be a PIA because if a wheel/tire is ever removed, it must be returned to the same lug position as when it was balanced on-car and if you ever mount another wheel/tire assembly, it has to be re-balanced on the car.
However, assuming that the above is not the root of your problem, I'd say it's in the wheel/tire balance. I've had situations in which the wheel/tire balance checked out perfect on a dynamic balancer but the vibration problem persisted. That usually means a defective tire. If this problem began after replacing tires, I'd say it's almost a certainty that the problem is with the balance or the tires.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 68 front end shake
Jim -
Did the shaking start with installation of the new tires?Comment
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Re: 68 front end shake
John and All,
It's hard to say becuase I did all this work all at the same time:
New complete brake system(everything)
New shocks
New front bearings
New goodrich TAs
I'll try the 2 person job soon to check front suspension parts.Comment
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