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      06-17-2018, 08:45 PM   #1
WAMz4
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diagnosis please...

I just changed out my front lower controller arm bushings. When test driving I have a definite shimmy between 60-75 mph that was not there before. This usually indicates an unbalanced wheel. I suspect an alignment may be needed after any work to the suspension. But what could possibly cause a shimmy after changing the bushings?
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      06-18-2018, 08:09 AM   #2
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really could be anything that rotates.
my initial thoughts are:
- missing wheel weights
- wheel bolts not torqued
- slipped belt in a tire
- stuck brake caliper

does it feel like it's the front or the rear?
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      06-18-2018, 11:52 AM   #3
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Thanks for the info.
I don't know how any of those could have changed as the wheels were just set aside. First I'll try removing and re-torquing wheel bolts, I'm not ready for new tires but I could try having them balanced again.

I mostly wanted to confirm there is no problem with the new bushings. I did have to hammer at it for what seemed like hours but that should only mean I need to do an alignment if my steering drifts.
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      06-18-2018, 12:11 PM   #4
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my experience with worn/loose bushings and arms is hearing a low pitched, metallic thud when braking; most noticed at low speeds.
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      06-18-2018, 06:57 PM   #5
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Do you have OEM wheels? Are you using spacers?
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      06-18-2018, 08:33 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3002 tii View Post
Do you have OEM wheels? Are you using spacers?
This, or do you have after market wheels that require a hubcentric spacer that you inadvertently left off?
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      06-18-2018, 09:02 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dc_wright View Post
This, or do you have after market wheels that require a hubcentric spacer that you inadvertently left off?
That’s where I was going...
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      06-18-2018, 11:11 PM   #8
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OEM wheels, no spacers.
Heres the thing. I take my front wheels off once or twice a year, ususally to change a bulb because access is easier without the wheel in the way. As always i remove the wheel and set it aside, finish the job and replace the wheel, never had a shimmy before. The only thing different this time is the job. I replaced the controller arm bushings. Bang! I got a shimmy.
My problem is - I dont see any possible way replacing the controller arm bushings could cause the shimmy, but I dont see any possible way replacing the controller arm bushings couldnt have caused the shimmy.

Has anyone ever heard of controller arm bushings causing a shimmy?
I'm perplexed.
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      06-18-2018, 11:18 PM   #9
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Only if they're work/torn, that's why people replace them.
You didn't rip one, did you, although I can't imagine it.

The "hammer at it for what seemed like hours" bit is a little concerning.
I replaced mine in about 15 minutes, but I had the proper tool for them.
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      06-19-2018, 05:48 AM   #10
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Sometimes the shimmy is absorbed with the sloppy old bushings but transmitted after replacement. Definitely play around with tires balance.
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      06-19-2018, 07:34 AM   #11
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^WHS

Get the wheels rebalanced.

Curious, when the shimmy begins, what happens if you turn the wheel slightly like to do a lane change?
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      06-19-2018, 08:07 AM   #12
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just noticed you're in the Denver area...
are you testing these speeds on interstates? when i went through there on I-70 and I-76 last summer in my e86, i seriously thought i had one or more flat tires, and even pulled over twice to check (the wife was even making comments on how bad those roads are and she doesn't typically notice stuff like that). maybe try back roads (obviously being as safe as possible)?
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      06-19-2018, 08:35 AM   #13
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...and to make this possibly more confusing, after I recently changed my FCABs a slight shimmy I've had for years with my summer wheelset went away. My old FCABs weren't torn and looked visibly perfect. I attribute the change to new, supple rubber vs older hard rubber. Perhaps what we've both experienced is a slight alteration in alignment. In my case one for the better.
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      06-19-2018, 11:35 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by garz747 View Post
Sometimes the shimmy is absorbed with the sloppy old bushings but transmitted after replacement. Definitely play around with tires balance.
Thanks. After re-torguing my wheel bolts it seems to be less but still there. Now I'm thinking since I went to polyurethane bushings they are way tighter than the OEM ones and this may be bringing out wheel balance issues. Will try getting wheels re-balanced this weekend.
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      06-20-2018, 09:31 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by garz747 View Post
Sometimes the shimmy is absorbed with the sloppy old bushings but transmitted after replacement. Definitely play around with tires balance.
When I changed mine out after buying it, I did it to cure a slightly wandering front end. This did a great job of that and was most of my problem, but I was surprised how much more "noise" came in with the new poly bushings. I like it now that I am used to it, but if you had a little out of balance issue before, I can see this making it worse. Car felt totally different, but better for sure. Worth a shot anyway.
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