Front end shaking

2

25 T A

New member
I have1928 roadster pickup that runs great, however today after driving in a 6 mile parade route, on the way home the front end started shaking and I slowed down and it went back to normal no more shakes. I have done the once over of the front end and all looks good and tight.
I just finished rebuilding all four brakes, new all bearings and other new parts.
The brakes work good, and will stop on a dime as they should
I drove around the neighbor hood a few times trying to duplicate problem and it has not happened again. Help any ideas I should be looking at

Thanks in advance for all responses

25 TA
 
Take a look at the front end of your car. Count the number of "joints" where two pieces join and change direction.

Example, Steering box internals, steering box mount to frame, pitman arm mount, Pitman arm ball to drag link, drag link to .., well you get the idea. a small amount of looseness adds up for each of these of these connections.

Now add in king pins, front bearings, wheel alignment and you should start to think, holy c$%p how did it ever not shimmy.

Check the king pins, wheel bearings and wheel alignment first. Move on to the other parts making sure the balls are round and fittings are tight.

Let me add this, there are aftermarket "cheats" that will hide your problem and the shimmy will go away. Please keep in mind that your car at one time did not have these devices mounted on your car and it did not shimmy. Something is wrong with your car and it will still be wrong if you install something additional to your front end.
 
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I think what Mike is referring to not adding to the front end is a steering damper. I agree, they only disguise the problem. I suggest you follow what Mike said (even check how tight the ball joints are. A little in each of those amounts to lots by the end of the day) and also have a look at the ball on the end of the A frame where it attaches under the bell housing.
 
Hi 25 TA, Put the front end of the car (front axle) up on jack stands so the wheels are off the floor. Get a buddy to grab the front wheels just over the bumper and shake them from side to side. Meanwhile, you get onto your creeper and slide under the car, examining all of the linkages in your front end. The linkage, or linkages that have "free play" or lost motion will become immediately evident. By adjustment, repair or replacement, you will have to eliminate the lost motion from the steering system... Betcha a wooden nickel you have a loose steering box!

By the way, welcome to the forum, and welcome to the hobby...
 
Toe-in has been discussed here many times, and is easy to do. That is the first thing I'd check, as well as loose wheel bearings and steering linkages. My kingpins/bushings are very worn and loose, but my car has never had the death wobble.
 
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