Front end shaking
 

Can someone describe what worn ball joints will feel/ act like? I am getting some shimmy in the steering wheel at highway speeds, and I am not sure what is causing it. Ball joints? Shocks?

I recently had the tires balanced, so I know that is not it. Some other symptoms are that it will pull occasionally to one direction or the other (not while braking), and not always the same direction.

For instance, if I am changing lanes, I may need to turn the wheel more than usual to get it to slide over a lane, or, it may change lanes with little steering input. I checked the tie rods (turbo- only 2 years old) and they *look* OK to me.

What are your thoughts?
Thanks.

No one can help me out?

Well, for starters, just because you recently got your tires balanced, don't assume they did it correctly. Plus, *many* times, weird, frustrating front end vibrations can be traced back to worn tires or seemingly good tires with funky wear patterns in them.

I would go through and give everything a quick check - wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rods, etc., and then if nothing seems amiss start looking into a tire problem, etc. Pulling problems are hard to really figure out sometimes as the crown of the road, brakes grabbing slightly, alignment, corner balance, etc. can affect it.

Good luck,

Mike

I find that of every 10 weird shimmies that I get in cars 8 or 9 are usually due to the tires, balanced or not. I recently had one break some belts, that was obvious because you could feel the tire out of round, but then later another tire went (none of this on the 911) and you couldn't see or feel anything on the tire, but replaced the tire and the problem went away. Check wheel bearings too, just in case.

I will hazard to guess, out of round tires.

Get the front tires off the ground slightly. Spin the tire... As it spins does it come closer to the ground?

Check the rears too.

Good luck.

Flat spots....done any panic stops lately?

Hmmm. I will look at the tires a little more closely. I knew they were worn more on the inside than the outside, but I figured that was just due to some negative camber on the alignment. I will do the spin test and see what "turns" up.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Don't overlook the possibility of your ball joints ...

I (with the help of a few friends) recently replaced both of mine as part of a front suspension overhaul and the difference is simply amazing. Both of mine were originals and one boot had a small tear in it so I knew it was replacement time but even still, I didn't know how bad they were.

Symptoms I experienced were similar to what you described: a little looseness in the steering wheel, slight side to side play in the wheel and pulling in different directions.

After the overhaul and an alignment the wheel is rock steady solid and there is no pulling.

Good luck tracking down your problem!

Did you have an alignment done after the new wheels/tires?

John, I haven't yet. I was hoping to get the new shocks in and new sway bar bushings (and now maybe the ball joints) and then align all at once. I am hoping to do the work myself and have the alignment done professionally with new front tires mounted. Either way you slice it, these should resolve the issues. I still love the wheels, though. How about you?

I have the same plans, but will not be doing the work until fall/winter. I don't have an immediate need, but the shocks are feeling a bit tired, I'm sure the bushings are in need of replacement as well. Good luck. I'm sure I'll be searching for guidance once my project starts.