83 944 Front End Shimmy 60-70 mph
 

I have recently purchased an 83 944 , 97k miles. New tires x 4, spin balanced. It exhibits an unusual front end shimmy starting some times with cold tires about 55 and almost always by 60, and stays until I reach 70. I'm a 914 guy and am hearing rumors that this is not uncommon in 944's. Is this true? I can't live with this. Is there a fix? Front end seems tight by normal standards.

This was a common problem for 83 944's. The only corection you can make is to have the front wheels balanced on the car with an old style spin balancer.

Good Luck,
Lee

Just checked with my local Porsche dealer about the problem. They produced an ASE technical bulletin detailing the problem and Porches' fix, although it read as if there were no guarantees. Applies up to 1983 944 VIN DN455243. After a good on the car spin balance, (which I can't find anywhere ), replace the tie rod ends with flexible tie rod end pt# 944-347-033-001. Vibrations are said to come and go and are associated with the type of road surface. Porsche price is about $92 each. Any comments or recommendations before I replace?

The new tie rod ends are a waste of your money. This mod did not work very well so you need to find some one who can balance the wheels on the car. Try finding an old grungy tire shop, they just might still have one.

Good Luck,
Lee

Well I have the same problem with my 83, but I know my tie rods are bad. I have already ordered new ones. I'll let you know what happens. As for balancing, talk to the guys at the tire store and ask them to turn the machine up. I use to work on balancing machines and know the calabration setup. They can make a prefectly balanced tire and wheel. They are setup to be just within a tolerance for speed of a normal balancing jobs. Not to say your roters are not a source of the balance problem, just not likey. You could take them to a power boat prop shop they can balance them there. The old on car wheel balancers were the best, but to cost prohibitive for the normal shop to own. If you did find one it probably would not be in calibration anyway. One more thing , my problem is slowly fixing its self, or should I say it's not as bad as it once was! I think its because the new tires are starting to braking in. Good luck.

Well after new tires, a good spin balance, new tie rods, and adjusting of the toe in. the problem has went away. Good luck with yours. Jody.

Just had all 4 tires dynamically balanced at my local grungy tire shop. Knew it was a good sign when I saw a lot of racing tires and what looked like some formula V race cars in the shop. The car is now much better and smooth well past the legal limit. No need for tie rod ends. Thanks to everyone.