Steering Wheel Shimmy

[myother45isalesbaer]

About twice a week I need to go from around Hartford, CT to New Haven. I usually hit speeds anywhere from 65-90. I have a strong shimmy in my steering wheel. I also just put 4 new tires on less than a month ago. I know the usual reasons for this, out of balance wheels, tires not round, wheels damaged and out of round. What I was wondering does anyone know of any other reasons this shimmy could be happening? Would uneven tire pressure do it? Could it be a warped rotor that is catching one wheel? How high of a speed do they spin balance?

Is there something else in the suspension system that could be causing this issue. It annoys me immensely. I am taking it back to my local mechanic who has in the past been pretty good. So I am sure he will check the usual things. I am trying to find out if anyone has had the odd ball issue that causes this problem and what it was.

Thanks.

[DeanM45]

Did it START happening after you got the new tires?

Rotors wouldn't do it all the time, just under breaking. Dynamic balancing is done by RPM, not speed. I believe they spin up to abut 150 RPM which is around 15-20 mph depending on the gear you are in with stock 19" rims. Uneven tire pressure would have to be dramatic like 20 psi on one side and 40 on the other. Have your tie rod ends and lower ball joints checked. Also have your alignment checked, caster is what usually causes shimmy.

[myother45isalesbaer]

DeanM45,

It started before the new tires. One rotor was turned a year ago but it still did not solve the issue. Under braking the shimmy is worse. Its also gotten worse after the new tires. I am somewhat shocked that the spin balance only equals 15-20 mph. That is way too low in my mind for a car that can go in excess of 100 mph. I was wondering about the suspension parts. I don't need a tie rod end to break at the speeds I hit.

Thanks for some excellent information.

[decepticrock]

I've been battling this problem for a while as well. It's an 06 M35x. One problem causing shaking was a bad front bearing (hub assembly). Another problem that was causing a lot of shaking were my rotors. After I had them resurfaced the shaking almost completely stopped. Not I just have a slight vibration around 70 that I'm trying to get rid of. Might be my struts.

[antzrus]

Could it be that old gremlin, tramlining?

[myother45isalesbaer]

Here's an update. It turned out to be wheels out of balance. Rotors needed to be turned. Tire pressures too far off and a frozen front brake caliber. Now it runs smooth as silk up to 100mph+. Paid about $300 for the whole deal. So I am happy.

Thanks for everyone's input.

[donnieb83]

^Thank you for the update! I just started getting the shimmy in mine. I have an 07 with 39K miles that has been sitting for the past year. Replaced with new tires and now a slight shimmy during braking. I ordered a set of drilled and slotted rotors and pads through Brakemotive for $170 shipped!!! I ran these on my IS300, installed a set on a buddies G35 and 8th gen civic. These rotors are amazing for the price.

[DeanM45]

^Thank you for the update! I just started getting the shimmy in mine. I have an 07 with 39K miles that has been sitting for the past year. Replaced with new tires and now a slight shimmy during braking. I ordered a set of drilled and slotted rotors and pads through Brakemotive for $170 shipped!!! I ran these on my IS300, installed a set on a buddies G35 and 8th gen civic. These rotors are amazing for the price.

donnieb83, what kind of pads are they (material)?

Thanks