Date:         Thu, 10 Jan 2002 20:45:35 -0800
Reply-To:     Hector Zapata <hector.zapata@XRXGSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Hector Zapata <hector.zapata@XRXGSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Bad Shimmy in the Steering Whell, front End "Jiggles"
Comments: To: Marshall <mjruskin@HOME.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> Hi Volks:
>
> I have this shimmy in the wheel, when I am driving - and no, it doesn't
get
> worse when I apply the brakes.
>
> It jiggles the front end, and my dog hates it. We can't have that!
>
> I suspect that it is caused by a slip of a tire belt, ..a tire separation.
> (Continental Contacts)
>
> I'm perfectly willing to replace the tires if that's what is causing it,
> (tread sep)  but there's a fair amount left on them, so it'd be a waste if
> that wasn't the problem. I know what to look for, but I just can't see a
> bulge or
> out-of-roundness. (Doesn't mean it's not there, though)
>
> How can I tell if it's my ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar clamps or
just
> my tires - or something else?
>
Rotate the tires, front to back. Bad ball joints won't allow steering to
center. For tie rod ends, have an assistant start the van, and shake the
steering wheel from side to side while you hold the tire on one side, and
the the other, and you'll feel the looseness of the parts.

Hector


> Thanks guys!
>
> Marshall Ruskin
> 84 Westy
> Hailing from the Sunshine Province of Manitoba