Front end shimmy

Leatherback 57

Leatherback 57

Member
On my 1929 Leather back. My wish bone was broken at ball cap assy. Ball end was not worn but bought rubber style kit. Now I have shimmy at low speeds if there are any bumps in road. All components were replaced, all tight . Checked axle angle ok. Are there shims for caster and is it better to use stock mounting kit over rubber style?. Several club members have used stabilizer kit and said problem solved. Any input appreciated. Thanks
 
I would first have the toe in checked , I have mine set at 1/16 . I've used the rubber radius kits for over fifty years with no problem .
 
Set at 1/16
Set at 1/8
Set at 1/4
Better at 1/4 but still shimmy at below 25mph if road has any ruffness?? All front end components tight. Steering box has some play but adjusted up. Never had shimmy till I repaired wishbone ball. Started first and found broken bolt and crack in cap. Replaced and stayed the same??
 
Make sure studs holding the king pins are tight. Check wheels for wobble. Check alignment with proper air pressure.
Why did the ball break? Stress,vibration? Front spring...is it flat or still have a arch? The spring is overlooked and is a critical part of alignment. Make sure it's tight!
Wick
 
Check everything from the wheel bearings back thru to the steering box adjustment. Something somewhere is loose. And as Purdy said make sure the toe-in is set to 1/16".
 
You said everything was tightened up. I hope that means the drqg link and tie rod ends. check toe-in after you screw those ends in tight, or almost tight.
 
If the two bolts and nuts that connect the steering box to the frame are a little loose it can also cause shimmy, I had it happen .
 
Thanks everyone. Checked everything.Might be tires but have alot wear left. Ordering stabalizer from Snyder to try. Next would be new tires.
 
I would not order the stabilizer, because that is not fixing the real problem. All you are doing is adding hardware in hopes of lessening the vibration.

It is possible it will lessen the vibration, but the problem still exists, and you are out that money.
 
old31 said:
I would not order the stabilizer, because that is not fixing the real problem. All you are doing is adding hardware in hopes of lessening the vibration.

It is possible it will lessen the vibration, but the problem still exists, and you are out that money.
Click to expand...

Lazy mechanics! That car did not come from the factory with either the shimmy or the stabiliser. Find a way to put it back to what it was when it was new.
Terry
 
Having been very fortunate to never have had a shimmy in any of our Model A’s, my limited advise would be to not add the steering stabilizer. You will be just hiding the problem.

You have a problem within you front end that needs to be fixed.

I would jack up the front end so that it is hanging loose. Check everything, including your front spring. Front end alignment a must.

A correctly rebuilt Model A front end, drives and steers like a dream. Good luck. Enjoy.
 
Believe it or not , if the back tires are very much under inflated it will cause shimmy , this has also happened to me
 
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