My car likes to do the high speed shimmy

[Jim Osborn]

Sounds kinda like a dance but it's quite annoying. At about 65 mph the car shakes and rattles. I've been told that it is the ball joints but I'd like everyones opinion on what should be checked or replaced first to minimize down time. I had the wheels balanced thinking it was that but it wasn't. Thank you for your help.

[Conrad W Peden]

1. Is the shimmy in yoursteering wheel or seat?
2. Is there a sort of low rumble rattle coming through the steering wheel?

1. Shimmy in steering wheel = problem in front.
Shimmy in seat = problem in rear.

2. If there is a sort of low rumble rattle the problem is most likely ball joints or tie rods. If there isn't then the problem may be the shocks.

You think that is annoying try driving a Beetle at 60 with the steering damper bracket busted off!!




[This message has been edited by Conrad W Peden (edited 12-13-1999).]