Tension Rod ?

[eQlipse]

Replaced tension rod bushings this past week. One was leaking plus had a front end shimmy around 50-55 mph and a dreaded death shake when braking. The shaking while braking has gotten better but still some there. That may be due to warped rotors as I did have stuck caliper pins that are now r&r'd. I still have the shimmy at 50-55 mph. Mostly goes away once I get past that speed but can still be felt slightly.

One thing I did notice is that the tension rods had a slight bend in them. Thought they were designed as such since they were both like this in the same spot. Anyone know this to be the case? I did torque them properly with the car on the ground per FSM.

I am due for struts. Strut mount bearings & outer tie rods have been replaced recently. Tires balanced as well however I am running aftermarket that have a bend in the lip on both sides. Wonder if that contributes? I'm going to check for ball joint play today and see what that uncovers if anything. Just trying to narrow down this issue before the cold hits.

Any help greatly appreciated.

[elwesso]

Tension rods are definitely not supposed to be bent. Rotors could give you a shimmy (if you barely press the brakes and it gets worse then that would be it). Wheel/tire balance can also do some weird things, and usually wheel/tires are issues at very specific speeds (IE it goes away if you go slightly faster or slightly slower). I would also check the ball joints/tie rod ends as if those start to wear they can cause that sort of thing.