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BlissBignall Samba Member
Joined: June 20, 2016 Posts: 72 Location: San Angelo, TX
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Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 2:27 pm Post subject: Harmonic Damper? |
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I was driving down the road today, and hit a bumpy section. The front end of the car started vibrating and bouncing uncontrollably. Once I had slowed down to a crawl, it settled down. This has happened a couple times today, but never before.
Would I be correct that I probably need to replace the harmonic dampener (that horizontal shock absorber in the front suspension)? my front shocks are nice and firm, so I know that's not it.
Thanks in advance! _________________ 1963 Beetle...My mom's car that got sold in 2012
1969 Beetle...That was fun!
1972 Beetle...Never ran right
1974 Thing....Daily driver on sunny days |
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hobie16 Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2013 Posts: 244 Location: Maui
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Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: Harmonic Damper? |
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It's a steering dampener.
I'd check wheel balance too. _________________ Don't be fooled by appearances. In Hawaii, some of the most powerful people look like bums and stuntmen.
--- Matt King
If anything’s going to happen, it’s going to happen out there.
---Captain Ron |
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mondshine Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2006 Posts: 2769 Location: The World's Motor Capital
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Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: Harmonic Damper? |
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The death wobble!
It usually occurs right around 50 MPH.
Check all of the steering parts; ball joints, tie rod ends, steering gearbox, front wheel bearings for excessive play. Wheel balance might also be a contributor.
But keep in mind that replacing the steering damper might mask problems with those other components temporarily, without really fixing anything.
You can check yours just like you would test a shock absorber. Once removed, if it extends and compresses evenly, a new one won't make much difference.
Good luck, Mondshine |
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BlissBignall Samba Member
Joined: June 20, 2016 Posts: 72 Location: San Angelo, TX
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Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: Harmonic Damper? |
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Thanks! I'll get under there and start checking things. _________________ 1963 Beetle...My mom's car that got sold in 2012
1969 Beetle...That was fun!
1972 Beetle...Never ran right
1974 Thing....Daily driver on sunny days |
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