Front end shake

kevinshea

kevinshea

Senior Member
Finally have my 35 wagon up and running .. after a bit of effort dealing with overheating... Yes, Thermocure works well!

Drove it home, along the interstate at 55/60MPH.. front end started to shake, but not violently,

This car did not do that before I put it in storage 10 years ago.. and it went fine at 65 since I have a Mitchell overdrive.

I have a shock absorber to deal with bump steer, a panhard bar and lovejoy front shocks.. otherwise stock... the panhard bushing have just recently been replaced (after noticing that pieces of the previous bushing were on the ground--- obviously they rotted after sitting so long) . All the front end grease fittings have been re-lubed. Sitting on Coker radials

Suggestions?
 
tires have been sitting for the 10 years ... as folks are suggesting tires could be the issue. ...... maybe they have been flattened some and need to be driven to get them back into shape?? Changing front to back suggestion sounds like a reasonable first start.
 
kevinshea said:
tires have been sitting for the 10 years ... as folks are suggesting tires could be the issue. ...... maybe they have been flattened some and need to be driven to get them back into shape?? Changing front to back suggestion sounds like a reasonable first start.
Click to expand...

If you can do them yourself. Most tire shops won't touch a tire over 6 years old. They will sell you new ones, though.

It's probably time for a new set anyway.
 
kevinshea said:
tires have been sitting for the 10 years ... as folks are suggesting tires could be the issue. ...... maybe they have been flattened some and need to be driven to get them back into shape?? Changing front to back suggestion sounds like a reasonable first start.
Click to expand...

Kevin,

In addition to tire balance, what is the condition of your king pins and tie and drag link ends? If you have a helper, have them slightly rotate the steering wheel back and forth a few degrees while you inspect the rod ends for lost motion. For the king pins, jack the front end up so you have a couple of inches under the front tires. Now grab the tire at 3:00 and 9:00 o'clock position and see if there is any free movement. Also place a pry bar or shingle remover tool under the tire. With one hand at 12:00, pry the tire up and down. Worn king pins will be evident with this test.

Regarding a flat spot on the tires, that should be mitigated after just a few miles of driving which you've already done, so not the problem IMHO.
 
Glenn.. I understand the kingpin test... and will do it, just because... But since I have only driven the car maybe 5000 miles since the restoration, I suspect they are okay.. .now, could the have rusted up some... as noted, I did regrease all the front end fittings, including the kingpins..

so, I will be inspecting the tires for any noticeable out of roundness, obvious bumps, broken cords, etc, .. basically the spin and hold your hand test... If necessary I think I can find a guy who can do a spin balance test. Problem is: not many guys can set up their device to accept 35 wires without scraping off all the powdercoating.

Also, I agree that once the tire is hot, driving "should" help to "cure" the flatness ( since they are radials.) .. right now, I am not thinking about replacement, until I am quite sure that there is a problem. Sheesh, everything is way to expensive these days.. spoken as an old guy!
 
don,t fret over the cost of the tyres for your 35, I just put two new rear tyres on my 2017 mustang $1125
Lawrie
 
If the car didn't shake when it was last driven there a really good chance the tires have flat spots from sitting, especially if they are bias ply tires. This can happen in just a few months with old bias ply tires whereas radial tires are much better holding their shapes. I have a lot of cars that sit for years and then get flat spots in the old bias ply tires. It used to take days of driving before they would become round again.

Check the old tires for any bulges in the treads and sidewalls Jack them up and spin them and see how out-of-round they are from sitting for years. You drove it once, now drive it again and see if the vibration has gotten any better as the tires find their roundness again. If the tires have any large cracks in get rid of them.
 
kevinshea said:
I think I can find a guy who can do a spin balance test. Problem is: not many guys can set up their device to accept 35 wires without scraping off all the powdercoating.
Click to expand...

I have Diamond Back tires on my '32 which I bought and had installed on Kelsey Hayes wheels. The place was Fritz's Tires in Arundel. I took my wheels there, told him my concern about affecting paint and a good job was done on them. The shop was a little rough but had good equipment. I just searched and it appears the shop is gone now however.

Glenn
 
Yes, you’re right Glenn, Fritz’s tire has been gone for quite a while. IMHO….setting for the season, a flat-spotted tire will “round out” again….but setting in the same position for ten yrs??…I think it’s staying the way it is with a flat spot…….let me know if you want another pair of eyes while checking things out….Im just up the road…..Mark
 
flatford8 said:
Yes, you’re right Glenn, Fritz’s tire has been gone for quite a while. IMHO….setting for the season, a flat-spotted tire will “round out” again….but setting in the same position for ten yrs??…I think it’s staying the way it is with a flat spot…….let me know if you want another pair of eyes while checking things out….Im just up the road…..Mark
Click to expand...

Yes Mark, could well be a permanent set.

As Flathead Fever said, "Check the old tires for any bulges in the treads and sidewalls Jack them up and spin them and see how out-of-round they are from sitting for years. You drove it once, now drive it again and see if the vibration has gotten any better as the tires find their roundness again. If the tires have any large cracks in get rid of them."

Just jack the car up so the tire is just off the floor. Now give it a spin, checking the gap (Mind the gap for you guys in CA :-)) and you can tell if it still has a flat spot or is out of round.
 
Guys. I did the tests and found no movement around the kingpins and all four tires felt pretty round.... I spun each wheel, closed my eyes and held my hand against tread center, interior and exterior... didn't feel much different at all.. .no bumps, lumps or ridges.. I was particularly trying to feel for any cross tire ridges that might indicate the begin/end of a flat area.

I have next Sat. 13th on the schedule for "coffee and cars" at Motorland Museum Rt 1 Arundel 9:30 til whatever.

So, I will continue to run the wagon on these tires and see what "shakes" out.
 
When you stored the car 10 yrs ago was it put on blocks with the weight off the tires?Is there any play in the steering?
 
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