Front end shimmy/shaking

Hi All...

I had a VERY bad shake when braking for the last year or so. I assumed "I put on cheap rotors last brake job, they must be warped."

New pads and rotors from VW, my labour (done lots of brakes) were put on approximately 7,000 km ago.

Immediately after changing them the braking was smooth and beautiful. I thought I detected a slight "shake" (during all phases of driving) but thought that might be my mind playing tricks on me. Had the tires balanced since I bought them used, shake seemed to improve.

7,000 km later and it's starting to be very noticeable when braking again. Noticeable at other times too, but worst when braking.

So, what could lead to these symptoms?

My car is a 2001 with approx 250,000 km on it. With the exception of brakes, oil changes, & timing belts it's all original (suspension, bushings, bearings, etc.)

So what steps can I take to figure out exactly what the problem is?

I'd hate to just keep throwing parts at it until I find the culprit, but don't want to replace everything all at once unnecessarily too.

Thanks

If the disks/rotors are new, good quality and correctly installed (technically you should check your hub run-out with a gauge) then I'd replace the the lower control arm bushings. With 250K kms, I'd take a hard look at your front-end and suspension (the basics) when you put on your winter tires.

This vibration could also be caused by "play" in your steering/tie-rods. That's what fixed my front end vibration under braking. The Lower Control arm bushings are most likely due to be replaced also as stated above.

sounds like slowdown shudder. have you checked your injectors.

rhskcdn said:

If the disks are new, good quality and correctly installed then I'd replace the the lower control arm bushings. With 250K kms, I'd take a hard look at your front-end and suspension (the basics) when you put on your winter tires.

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What he said. Just replaced my LCA's with TT units and the car lost its shimmy. World of difference and performance from a 35 dollar purchase.

I had the same issue as the OP. It was solved with newer LCA bushings (I also went with the TT one).

Brandon (VDubTech) near the 400 and 401 replaced mine for a what I thought was a very reasonable price... Can't remember how much it was though.

rhskcdn said:

If the disks are new, good quality and correctly installed then I'd replace the the lower control arm bushings. With 250K kms, I'd take a hard look at your front-end and suspension (the basics) when you put on your winter tires.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll try to get the car up later this week and check some of this out. I've been wanting to check but didn't know where to start. That link is a great place to start. Thanks again.

Vindiesel6 said:

This vibration could also be caused by "play" in your steering/tie-rods. That's what fixed my front end vibration under braking. The Lower Control arm bushings are most likely due to be replaced also as stated above.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll be sure to check it out.

timecodeclock said:

sounds like slowdown shudder. have you checked your injectors.

Click to expand...

Don't think so. Completely unrelated to engine. Clutch In or Out.

DCdesign said:

What he said. Just replaced my LCA's with TT units and the car lost its shimmy. World of difference and performance from a 35 dollar purchase.

Click to expand...

I'm thinking if I'm going to change bushings, it might be easiest for me to buy new LCA's that have bushings already installed. I lack many tools that might be needed to "persuade" bushings either in, or out. Bench Vice, etc.

Good spots in Canada to buy / order such things?

Speaking of buying... Good spots around to buy shocks? I figure with 250k it's time for new ones. I suppose I should do the shock bearings at the same time. Looking for a "nice ride." Not into "sport" or "racing" suspension, this is a daily commuter.

I assume that as long as the springs aren't broken, they don't need to be replaced?

Thanks again.

cwspen said:

Good spots in Canada to buy / order such things?

Speaking of buying... Good spots around to buy shocks? I figure with 250k it's time for new ones. I suppose I should do the shock bearings at the same time. Looking for a "nice ride." Not into "sport" or "racing" suspension, this is a daily commuter.

I assume that as long as the springs aren't broken, they don't need to be replaced?

Click to expand...

Brian at Roseland technical services in Halifax sells all the parts you are looking for. I believe he has the LCA's with new bushings. I did this job last year, went with Bilstein TC comforts - bit softer ride, my front springs were sagging badly, so I bought newer ones. If your car rides at a good height you shouldn't need new ones.
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/roseland/VWPartsA4.htm

cwspen said:

I'm thinking if I'm going to change bushings, it might be easiest for me to buy new LCA's that have bushings already installed. I lack many tools that might be needed to "persuade" bushings either in, or out. Bench Vice, etc.

Click to expand...

Just keep in mind that the cost of a new control arm is considerably greater than just replacing the bushing. And, as with any front-end component, you'll want to consider getting an alignment after the job. After 250K of driving Ontario roads, I suspect you'll find some play in at least one tie-rod/ball joint/strut mount so the question then becomes, how much do you want to replace? Front-end parts are quite cheap but the time/labor of having them installed (and repeated alignments) gets expensive.

cwspen said:

Good spots in Canada to buy / order such things?
Speaking of buying... Good spots around to buy shocks?

Click to expand...

Brian at Roseland (NS) or Precision Tuning (local).

Thanks. I think I'm probably going to do a complete refresh up front. For the added parts cost, there's almost no additional labour cost. Plus alignments as mentioned. Seems like I could do the wrenching, just a question of putting in the time. I will look into having the work done.

So for a "normal" ride, the Bilstein TC's seem to be the most recommended?

Thanks. I think I'm probably going to do a complete refresh up front. For the added parts cost, there's almost no additional labour cost. Plus alignments as mentioned. Seems like I could do the wrenching, just a question of putting in the time. I will look into having the work done.

So for a "normal" ride, the Bilstein TC's seem to be the most recommended?

cwspen said:

Thanks. I think I'm probably going to do a complete refresh up front. For the added parts cost, there's almost no additional labour cost. Plus alignments as mentioned. Seems like I could do the wrenching, just a question of putting in the time. I will look into having the work done.
So for a "normal" ride, the Bilstein TC's seem to be the most recommended?

Click to expand...

I'm happy enough with my TCs. They're nothing fancy, but give a nice OEM+ ride and height (mine is only a commuting car these days). I recall doing my front wheel bearings at the same time as the front end (again, it's all apart so what is a little preventative maintenance). And if you are doing the rear suspension then consider the rear-axle bushings as well... it will drive like new when you're done

Not just time... You'll want a good impact gun and a press to do bushings (yes, a vice will work in a pinch). You may also want a grinder and a welder on standby just in case one of the captive nuts breaks free. I know Brandon does this sort of refresh quite a bit.