Shimmy Shimmy crazy shake

[Trailmark]

All,
I know that some one on here has had this problem or there is a least 9 million threads on this topic but I am in desperate need of assistance.

A few weeks ago my 96 SD (2" Lift) true trac up front and detroit out back started to have violent front end shaking starting at 45 MPH. I had the wheels balanced... no fix. I replaced all of the tie rod ends...no fix. I replaced the drive shafts with good spares...no fix. Now the wobble is inconsitant, it can start anywhere form 40-60 MPH. The only thing that I can do to keep this from happening is to keep the wheel slightly turned to either side. If the wobble comes on all I have to do is turn the wheel a little bit to the left or right and it goes away.

What would you fine Rovenites suggest that I do next?

I feel like a dog chasing my tail on this one. Or maybe the tail that is about to get bit?

I am not the worlds greatest mechanic or trouble shooter but I have a fair amount of tools and a good set of cover alls. I really need to get this resolved.... like yesterday (it is to cold to keep riding my motorcycle to work). If anyone has any suggestions or knows of a thread that has already addressed this issue please let me know. I will be forever greatful.

Sincerly yours,
Disco Rev:banghead:

 

[Blue]

steering stabilizer

 

[Trailmark]

OME and seems fine. I will double check it though.

 

[Reddisco1]

Have you checked the swivel bearings and wheel bearings?

 

[Trailmark]

Not yet. I need to go through my RAVE manual to figure out how to get to them and inspect them.

 

[vaden87]

Have you checked the swivel bearings and wheel bearings?

x2... Check this before you buy more stuff. If this is the problem, then its an easy fix and will likely not cost anything except a little time.

Not yet. I need to go through my RAVE manual to figure out how to get to them and inspect them.

let me save you the trouble... http://www.fag.hiof.no/~frodehaa/swivelpinpreload.htm now get to work.

 

[post]

make sure the panhard bolts are tight

 

[Reddisco1]

Do a search on swivel pin. There's a good write up in here somewhere that tells you how test and adjust by adding or removing shims to the top swivel pin. That worked for
me. Good luck!

 

[Trailmark]

Thanks for all of the input and direction. I will check the shims tomorrow. Where do I get a balance scale (that is what it is called right)?

 

[RRoverPaisa]

I have to say the problem is your steering stabilizer. I

After that or before if you like check the following:

-panhard
-trailing arms bushings(not likely but check anyways)
-Steering gear box
-I would get a new steering stabilizer and carry as a spare the one you have for long trips it it does not turn out to be the culprit.
-Ohh yeah most important check your wheels make sure they are tightened

I have to say its probably your last thing you should do is the swivel pin. Its quite an easy fix but a bit of a b.i.t.c.h. and it takes time. Make sure you are in no hurry and get your self a fishing scale to get it right and the manual states to make that entire front end is on jack stands.

 

[floridarover]

I had the exact same thing. It was the front shocks. This was found after alot of the above listed work had been tried. For what its worth.

atriot:

 

[Steve Rupp]

Disco's are notorious for losing swivel pin preload because of the flat roller bearing below the upper swivel pin. It's not an absolute but definitely check the preload on that bearing.

The first thing I would do is check the panhard bushings by having someone shake the truck from side to side. Then I would drop the drag link from the pitman arm and check the steering box. The Rover boxes are usually tighter in dead center than at turn in either direction. Make sure your wheels are straight when you pull the drag link off and then check the backlash of the box in the center. It's possible that the box might not be centered. Center the box with the drag link off by turning the steering wheel in both directions and stopping halfway through the rotation. Then check the backlash. While you're at it rotate the wheel half way and then check the backlash again.

 

[Mike_Rupp]

steering stabilizer

Replacing the stabilizer does nothing except mask the underlying problem.

 

[peter sherman]

Replacing the stabilizer does nothing except mask the underlying problem.

The Rupps tag teaming:victory:

 

[Reddisco1]

Thanks for all of the input and direction. I will check the shims tomorrow. Where do I get a balance scale (that is what it is called right)?

I have happen to have a fish scale in my tackle box, so I used that. According to my shop manual, your looking for 1.16 - 1.46 kg, which is about 2.4 - 3.2 lbs. That worked for me. Try Habor Freight, for the correct tool or any fishing tackle shop for the fish scale.

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

Where do I get a balance scale (that is what it is called right)?

Fishing scale from your favorite department store or tackle shop. Rig up a string to pull on the members per linked article.

Be sure to get one with the same range of weight as the preload specifications.
e.g. Don't get a marlin scale if the preload is 12 pounds (check this, I pulled that number out of the air), look for the preload spec to be in the middle range of the scale (where a cheap scale is likely to be most accurate.)

 

[Blue]

Replacing the stabilizer does nothing except mask the underlying problem.

I had the same death wobble on my '96 that would occur at around 40 mph, drove me right off a highway onramp once and into the bushes. I inspected all the steering linkages (did not check swivel preload) and replaced the stabilizer. Problem solved. I also think that tired stock shocks were contributing to it and those were replaced shortly after as well, but just changing the stabilizer resulted in the death wobble completely going away.

 

[discobeest]

I had something similar happen to me on a trip from Seattle to Moab last September. I was passing through Layton, UT and it seemed like I was driving 75 in deep muddy ruts. Pulled me in every direction. Mine ended up being my horrible tires. the steel belting inside was gone and little wires were poking through the rubber kinda like hair. The problem was gone after that and I look at it as a good thing, I wanted bigger tires anyways. BTW they were fine when I left which was real odd?

BILLY:victory:

 

[Trailmark]

Thank you all for your input. Sounds like I have several things on my list. I am going to hit up my local harbor freight and then start checking things off. If anyone else has other suggestions keep them coming, as I will be checking back periodically throughout the day.

The Rev,atriot:

 

[Trailmark]

Is it 3.2lbs or 16lbs? I got to different answers for this.