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Got A Problem, Steering Wheel Shimmy!

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Old 5/11/08, 02:22 PM
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Got A Problem, Steering Wheel Shimmy!

I recently had everything installed on my car, new shelby razor wheels, suspension components etc. got the car back and I noticed a shimmy in the steering wheel. I called a few guys and they said since you lowered your car, your car is out of alignment, thats why you have the shimmy. i felt confident with that since I knew I had to get a new alignment anyways. took it for the alignment 2 days ago, everything was good. drove it home, and above 50MPH I feel the shimmy again!! what gives??

what else can be causing the steering wheel shimmy?
Old 5/11/08, 02:34 PM
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Usually a shimmy is caused by the wheels not being balanced right.
Old 5/11/08, 02:41 PM
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Mine did the same when I put my wheels on. I had to get a hub spacer thing(Can't remember the real name for the life of me) to get rid of it.
Old 5/11/08, 06:31 PM
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Did you just change from stock wheels to the Shelby's? Did you remove this piece before replacing the rims???


Mike
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Old 5/11/08, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by 302svt
Usually a shimmy is caused by the wheels not being balanced right.
+1 on the wheel balance
Old 5/11/08, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Got Oatz
Did you just change from stock wheels to the Shelby's? Did you remove this piece before replacing the rims???


Mike

what is that part and what is it's function?
Old 5/11/08, 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 300GT
what is that part and what is it's function?
It's a keeper clip used to hold the rotor in place on the production line. The problem is, with many after market rims, they do not have the tolerance to accept these clips, and making it impossible for the after market rim to sit flush against the rotor.....

It can cause shimmy......
Old 5/11/08, 08:29 PM
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The wheels need to be balanced correctly.
Old 5/12/08, 06:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Got Oatz
Did you just change from stock wheels to the Shelby's? Did you remove this piece before replacing the rims???


Mike
Check this first!
Old 5/12/08, 06:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Got Oatz
Did you just change from stock wheels to the Shelby's? Did you remove this piece before replacing the rims???


Mike

+2
Old 5/12/08, 08:48 AM
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More then likely a balance issue if you did indeed remove the little spacers posted about. I removed mine when I did the rotors a while back and I as well have a slight "shimmy" after installing my Razors at and about 50 mph. I just haven't gotten around to having them rebalanced yet.
Old 5/12/08, 08:54 AM
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Anyone have the clip problem with the fanblades??
Old 5/12/08, 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by GPStang06
More then likely a balance issue if you did indeed remove the little spacers posted about. I removed mine when I did the rotors a while back and I as well have a slight "shimmy" after installing my Razors at and about 50 mph. I just haven't gotten around to having them rebalanced yet.

How is that possible? When you have a tire balanced, it is performed when the tire is NOT on the car. Removing the retaining clip would not have any impact on balance. These clips need to be removed for several aftermarket rims and any spacers that are installed. If the clip is not removed the rim is not mounted flat to the rotor at that one lug.
Old 5/12/08, 08:56 AM
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I have the same shimmy. 20" razors and its lowered with sportline springs. Had it aligned too.

I will have to check if i have that clip on mine.
Old 5/12/08, 08:58 AM
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Making sure the clip is removed and a road force balance should take care of the Shimmy. That's what happened when I first got my rims. Of course back then few knew about the clip on the rotor.
Old 5/12/08, 08:58 AM
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I should point out that I had this problem on a Jeep liberty and my 97 mustang when I had changed rims and forgot to remove the retaining clips.
Old 5/12/08, 09:04 AM
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so once the car comes off the assembly line, is there any reason to keep the "keeper clip" on, even if you are running factory rims?
Old 5/12/08, 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by 300GT
so once the car comes off the assembly line, is there any reason to keep the "keeper clip" on, even if you are running factory rims?
No, you can chuck them.
Old 5/12/08, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by adrenalin
How is that possible? When you have a tire balanced, it is performed when the tire is NOT on the car. Removing the retaining clip would not have any impact on balance. These clips need to be removed for several aftermarket rims and any spacers that are installed. If the clip is not removed the rim is not mounted flat to the rotor at that one lug.
Actually I was implying that if those retainer clips actually did cause a vibration, that it wasn't the cause of mine since I took them off when I changed the rotors a while back. I have no idea if they could cause a vibration. I was simply stating that I don't have the retainers and do have 20" razors and have the same shimmy.
Old 5/12/08, 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by GPStang06
Actually I was implying that if those retainer clips actually did cause a vibration, that it wasn't the cause of mine since I took them off when I changed the rotors a while back. I have no idea if they could cause a vibration. I was simply stating that I don't have the retainers and do have 20" razors and have the same shimmy.

Ah, I read your comment wrong. Sorry about that.

Another thought could be if they used the stick on wheel weights on the inside section of the rim, one may have fallen off and put it out of alignment. A co-worker just received a set of rims from 1010tire, and as he took the first one out of the box, one of the weights fell off.


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