steering wheel shimmy

footba4672 · 01-09-2008, 10:42 PM

I have a 2002 Trans -Am WS6 with 20" wheels. The wheels are perfectly balanced and yet I have a steering wheel shimmy only between 55-65 MPH. Does anyone have any idea what maybe causing this and possibly know of a fix......

mph1972 · 01-10-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footba4672

I have a 2002 Trans -Am WS6 with 20" wheels. The wheels are perfectly balanced and yet I have a steering wheel shimmy only between 55-65 MPH. Does anyone have any idea what maybe causing this and possibly know of a fix......

When does it do it? during braking or while driving normally? First thing that comes to mind is balancing, but you claim they are balanced, so maybe one of the tires pressure is off a bit. If you have low pressure in one of your (typically fronts) tires it could cause this. Just a thought.

0H1Z06 · 01-14-2008, 08:57 PM

These cars don't normally shimmy...It is my guess that it is the 20in wheel..I'd almost guarentee it!

do you still have the stockers? A set of 17X9.5 and 17X11 in the rear are best... These cars do not act very nicely with 20in. wheels..

Just my opinion. I have owned 3 different 4th gen cars. typically a front end alignment, wheel/tire balancing is ALL that is needed.

LordVader · 01-15-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000Z14X2

These cars don't normally shimmy...It is my guess that it is the 20in wheel..I'd almost guarentee it!

do you still have the stockers? A set of 17X9.5 and 17X11 in the rear are best... These cars do not act very nicely with 20in. wheels..

Just my opinion. I have owned 3 different 4th gen cars. typically a front end alignment, wheel/tire balancing is ALL that is needed.

cerino2000 · 01-17-2008, 09:57 PM

How many miles are on the tires?

VetteMark · 01-19-2008, 11:02 AM

You should have them 'Road Force Balanced' to insure that the tire force is within spec all the way around. Tires with uneven forces are more common than you think and have been the root of a few of my steering wheel shimmy.

redrose · 01-19-2008, 05:40 PM

check for a ''loose'' tie rod end...but likely you've entered the realm of tire engineering with the 20's...maybe additional ''caster'' will help, maybe higher OR lower tire pressure in the fronts OR the rears (try rears 2-4 lbs more than fronts to start)

bsim · 01-20-2008, 08:55 PM

A flat spot would do this too...

ruf455 · 01-24-2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrose

check for a ''loose'' tie rod end...but likely you've entered the realm of tire engineering with the 20's...maybe additional ''caster'' will help, maybe higher OR lower tire pressure in the fronts OR the rears (try rears 2-4 lbs more than fronts to start)