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Shimmy at 65 mph


sabsaw
08-13-2005, 09:25 AM
I have a 2000 suburban and lately when I drive it, and get up to about 65mph, I feel a annoying vibration. Can someone please tell me what may be causing that?

Thanks

Mines69Olds
08-13-2005, 09:57 AM
You can find the same thing in the jeep forum. They call it the death shimmy but anyways it's not that bad. It could be as simple as your tires need rotated. While you're doing that grease the fittings on the front end and maybe that should clean that up. If you are interested you could go to the jeep forum and check it out too.

GMMerlin
08-13-2005, 01:29 PM
I have a 2000 suburban and lately when I drive it, and get up to about 65mph, I feel a annoying vibration. Can someone please tell me what may be causing that?

Thanks

Without driving your vehicle, there is no way anyone can tell you what is causing your vibration.
Lets start with the simple stuff first...where do you feel the vibration? Steering wheel, seat......
Next do a visual inspection of your vehicle...do you see any cupping of your tires..run your hands over the tires, do they feel smooth or bumpy?
Usually a vibration at highway speeds is caused by the tires or something spinning at the same speed as the tires.
Your vibration could be as simple as your tires need to be balanced or as complicated as a lateral runout issue or a bent componant.

Don Ferrette
02-13-2006, 10:49 AM
I have a similar issue with my '99 Suburban K1500 with just over 100K on it. At at approx. 65mph I get an intermittent shimmy type of vibration that comes through the steering wheel. All 4 wheels have been re-balanced, twice now, rotated (no cupping issues) Tires are top line Michelins with about 5K on them. Shocks are new top line Monroes, new brake rotors too. On thing I've noticed is that the vibration/shimmy is worse at these speeds when you load the suspension a little with a turn in either direction. Also once in a while at lower speeds if you hit a bump just right it will briefly do the shimmy/wobble/vibrate though not as much. I've checked the suspension as best I can with a floor jack but realize that's not the best way since it stays partially loaded. I'm wondering about idler arm/ pitman arm issues but not sure. Anyone been down this road before???

Redgriz
02-15-2006, 12:31 PM
I had a shimmy like that in my 87. found out it was the range fork in the transfer case. I don't know what type transfer case you have, but the place that rebuilt mine said it sees that in lots of 4wd with upwards of 100k. Just giving a suggestion, good luck.

Daddio64
02-18-2006, 02:34 AM
Have your u-joints checked. I had a similar problem with my 1997 K2500, replacing a u-joint eliminated the shimmy altogether.

bsweasel
07-09-2006, 02:06 PM
I'm having similare issue with my 96 Tahoe. Replaced both rear shaft u-joints, removed the front shaft all-together. Rotated tires, balanced tires, rotated spare tire through all 4 locations. Replace Yoke on rear end. Still getting the vibration. Checked the torque converter lockup by hitting the breaks during the vibration. Any other suggestoins?????

86Sub
07-11-2006, 09:51 AM
If it's only happening at 65 I would think it's a balance issue. Did you recently go off road in a muddy area? Sometimes you can get a build up of mud on the inside of the rim that could cause an imbalance. Could also be a bubble where the tread separates from the inner belts or cords. If this is the case it could result in the tire blowing out. Not good.

I had a problem similar to redgriz in my 86 Suburban in that I could hit a bump and the front tires would start to wobble like crazy. It turned out to be the arm from the steering box to the steering linkage. I replaced the arm and the problem went away.

lbeard
10-18-2006, 06:16 PM
If the tires have a good balance and the motor mounts are in good shape and if the vehicle has over 50,000 miles, there is a GOOD chance that it is the much overlooked shocks or struts. Buy good ones like KYB, not the mass marketed names

bsweasel
10-18-2006, 07:17 PM
I finally solved mine. It was the brake drums I had put on at the same time I replaced the bad u-joint that was causing my original more severe shake. Apparently a brand new set of brake drums can be out of balance. I found this by putting it up on jackstands, took the wheels off (put lug nuts back on so the drums where secure) and it still had the shake. Put it in neutral, took drums off, (DON't use Brakes to stop the drivetrain without drums on it) put it in drive, ran it up to 80 mph and it was smooth as silk. Let it slow down shift to neutral and turn off engine. Again...can't use brakes without drums!! Replaced drums with new and it has been smooth driving ever since...Hope this help someone!!

Don Ferrette
04-03-2007, 12:17 PM
I have a similar issue with my '99 Suburban K1500 with just over 100K on it. At at approx. 65mph I get an intermittent shimmy type of vibration that comes through the steering wheel. All 4 wheels have been re-balanced, twice now, rotated (no cupping issues) Tires are top line Michelins with about 5K on them. Shocks are new top line Monroes, new brake rotors too. On thing I've noticed is that the vibration/shimmy is worse at these speeds when you load the suspension a little with a turn in either direction. Also once in a while at lower speeds if you hit a bump just right it will briefly do the shimmy/wobble/vibrate though not as much. I've checked the suspension as best I can with a floor jack but realize that's not the best way since it stays partially loaded. I'm wondering about idler arm/ pitman arm issues but not sure. Anyone been down this road before???
Well even after I checked it & every shop that insisted it was a tire balance issue did & said it was fine I replaced the idler arm (both pieces) & the problem was gone. You could feel no excess play in it either on or off the truck but obviously sitting still the part could not be loaded like when being driven.

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