Front end shake when braking

uniball · Samba Member Joined: May 26, 2015 Posts: 6

On occasion I will get a front end shake only when braking but it really only happens if I am braking above 40mph. Once I lift off the brakes it stops. I've had all drums turned and there is plenty of material left on the shoes as well. Not sure if I should go with a new Master Cylinder or new ball joints. Front end feels ok when just driving around and no death wobble either.

JayC · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2016 1:10 pm Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

One thought would be the steering damper under the gas tank. Not sure if that would tie to braking or not. Might also be worth getting a good front end alignment (made a world of difference in mine).

You only get the wobble when braking? What about at higher speeds?

jay

wcfvw69 · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2016 2:03 pm Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

I'd have your front end suspension checked. As mentioned, your steering damper, tie rods and ball joints. Your steering gear may need to be adjusted as well.

The other thing that you need to check is your tire balance. Often times, they are out of balance and will cause a shimmy, especially with worn out suspension items.
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uniball · Samba Member Joined: May 26, 2015 Posts: 6

Thanks for the feedback. I'll definitely check into the front end. There isn't a shimmy while driving at any speeds and the steering seems ok. I'm gonna replace the master cylinder and see if that resolves the issue and do a full check on the front end.

GI Joe · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

Are the brakes adjusted properly? Hardware freed up and functional?

That's an odd one.... Confused

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gblair · Samba Member Joined: September 07, 2013 Posts: 159

Mine does the same thing. Seems fine when you first start and gets worse the longer you drive or the more you brake. Bought new drums and it was worse with the china drums. I plan to have the original drums turned and replace the damper.

ALANSD · Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 11:55 am Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

mine recently started hopping around a bit after hitting a bump.
It doesn't always happen but its scary when it does. All of a sudden it feels like it is jumping up off the pavement some. I will have to jack it up and see what the front end needs...before I jump into a ditch!

Shoyrtt · Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 12:35 pm Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

Check both the outer and inner tie rod ends. We had the same problem, and the little bit of slop in the ends caused the problem. Wink

[email protected] · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 9:55 am Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

ALANSD · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 10:38 am Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

thanks I ordered one..looks like an easy fix..

ALANSD · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 4:50 am Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

Got the steering damper this week. Any tips for changing it out?

GI Joe · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:06 am Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

Pretty cut and dry... Just two nuts, and swap the cartridge, two nuts back on!
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74 Thing · Samba Member Joined: September 02, 2004 Posts: 7393

17 mm socket-jack up the front end and reach over the tire and unbolt the 17mm nut that is holding the dampener on. Next go under the passenger side and unbolt the 17mm bolt that is holding the stabilizer to the front beam and remove. Then reverse-30 mins top.

coonhunter · Posted: Mon May 02, 2016 5:19 am Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

One thing that I try to do is when I order a part, I go out and spray down all the nuts and bolts that hold it together with penetrating oil (kroil or PB Blaster). And then I hit them with it just before I swap the part. I was getting shimmy on mine right at 50mph much more or less and the shimmy would go away. I tightened my steering box and that seemed to fix it. All other steering components seemed tight.

ALANSD · Posted: Mon May 02, 2016 9:49 am Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

ok sounds easy. Not sure how soon I can get to it, but hopefully really soon.
Thanks guys

ALANSD · Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 11:53 am Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

I took off the old damper today, it was shot. I got the new one ready to go in and could not reach to put the end bolt through the hole. My arm is just about 2" too short. Sucks, but I'm waiting for my 6' son to get home to assist.
Frustrating for a shorter dude. ;0

Should be a lot better with the new one installed.

ALANSD · Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Front end shake when braking

New damper made a sweet difference in the steering feel. Tighter and no shake, thanks for the helpful advice..


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