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Date:         Mon, 6 Nov 2006 10:39:25 -0500
Reply-To:     Rick Koller <rkoller@HELIX.NIH.GOV>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rick Koller <rkoller@HELIX.NIH.GOV>
Subject:      Scary Front shaking '90 syncro westie
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

Greetings All, I need help diagnosing a scary situation that has been intermittent so far. Here's the scenario: I'm driving my syncro westie straight down the interstate cruising at 65 mph, suddenly the steering wheel begins to shimmy dramatically, violent enough that I'm looking for the shoulder fast. I slow down and stop. Get out and look over the suspension parts, pulling and tugging on tierods, front and rear axles. I jack up the van and check for excessive play in the wheel bearings and any dangerous rumbling sounds from rotating wheels. I find nothing. I get back in the van and continue on and the van drives completely normally. No shimmy or shakes or rumbles. I'm wary now so prepare myself for another episode. Nothing happens for 3 weeks during this time I drive the camper daily at different speeds. Nothing happens until yesterday and the same scenario occurs, driving again at cruise speed of 65 and the dreadful shimmy starts out of nowhere. I pull over and do the checks again, still nothing obvious. I go on and the van drives ok below 40mph, as I get up speed the shaking starts again, this time it has some rumble or rubbing sound, can't tell what. The sound and shake goes away when I stop. I decide to try again and I get off the interstate to travel on local roads and keep my speed down. No problems at speeds below 40 mph, I don't push it and get home where I again jack up the camper and pull and rotate suspension drive axle parts. Still nothing obvious. Upper ball joints only a couple years old, new front axle on one side. Anyone have insight on this one? I scanned the archives but only came up with the usual bad tire scenario. Seems unlikely its a tire because of the intermittent nature, but who knows. Anyone? Thanks, Rick Koller


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