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