1966 bug front shimmy/shake

[r19rcv20]

Hey everyone!
So another problem. At around 40-45 mph the front starts to shimmy and i feel it in my legs and in the steering wheel. But after 50 it goes away. And in some occasions depending on the road it wont do it all. I have looked at other posts and i hear either the steering dampner or tie rods. Now my steering gear box is brand new. Any other suggestions??

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

Basics.. To eliminate shimmy.

Steering parts (steering box, tie rods and ball joints) must be in good condition
Steering Damper must be in good condition.
TIRES must be balanced and in good condition.
Alignment must be correct both front and rear.

Never ever rule out tire problems and balance. AFTER checking and repairing the steering and alignment.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503595
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[KTPhil]

Yup, you should not have any shimmy even with NO steering damper.

The damper is to cushion road shocks, not to control shimmy. If it shimmies without the damper, you will just wear out the new damper. If you don't first eliminate the cause of the shimmy.

With a speed-related effect, suspect tires first. They could be out of balance, or maybe balanced but out of round. Then look for any looseness anywhere.

[r19rcv20]

So it has gotten significantly worse to the point at 30 mph i hit a small small bump i start to shake so i am pretty sure it is my rims. Last time i checked underneath i just did a quick look to see if anything is loose and nothing is.

[KTPhil]

Tedious, but try swapping each tire for your spare, and note when it changes... that is the worst wheel. Could be more than one!

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

If its fine until you hit a bump.. its generally not tires or wheel..



.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited

[67rustavenger]

[quote="r19rcv20"]So it has gotten significantly worse to the point at 30 mph i hit a small small bump i start to shake so i am pretty sure it is my rims. Last time i checked underneath i just did a quick look to see if anything is loose and nothing is.[/quote]
You have to check the condition of all of the steering components. Something is worn out.
Jack the front of the car up. Put jack stands under the lower beam for stability. With the tires on grab them at the 12-6 o'clock position and rock them. Next 9-3 o'clock and do the same. Next 10-4 o'clock. Listen for and metallic sounds. Feel for movement that should not take place when everything is in good working order.
I have been guilty of just replacing the steering damper to cure(mask) these worn parts issue I didn't know better at the time. I even posted this in another thread. I got slayed for suggesting it.
FWIW, I have a steering component that is failing. I can hear it just haven't located it yet.
Good Luck.
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[r19rcv20]

so I should reword what I said earlier. so pretty much when i a driving at a speed around 30 it will start to shake. and that is when it is usually the worst. when i pick up speed it will start to shake but not as bad. the only time is does not shake is when i am driving on the highway. and when i do brake it will stop

[KTPhil]

[pwmcguire]

Tie rod ends are worn. Check all of your steering parts. If it is bad as you say you will see movement in your steering components

[Blue66]

I had the same exact thing on my 66 (45-50 mph shimmy).It was my tie rod. Once replaced the problem went away. Raise the front end and give the wheel a shake, if it wobbles then this may be your issue. Make sure you support the car on stands.

[andk5591]

Since its getting worse stop driving until you fix it. Would suck to have a catastrophic failure like a tie rod or ball joint some apart at 60 MPH. But I have heard the you can pop the big dent out of the roof pretty easily when you roll the car over. I am freaking serious though. Park it until you fix it.
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