Hi:

I am down to the VERY LAST issue I need to identify and correct on my converted 65 six to 289. At between 60-70 mph, I am getting a moderate back-and-forth shake in the steering wheel. The entire front end has been replaced (tie rods, upper and lower control arms, ball joints etc.), and the car has the Total Control Products manual rack and pinion, and MasterPower front manual disc brakes. The front wheel bearings seem o.k., and I have had the front tires (new) road force balanced. Here's the kicker: It doesn't always happen on all road surfaces---sometimes fine, sometimes shake. Weird, I know, but the car is otherwise terrific---5,000 miles since conversion in last November, over 300 this weekend in real world driving. I am thinking it's definately some balance issue, perhaps warped discs? I am also wondering if there is some inherent kick-back issue with the TPC rack design. Weird---Does anyone have any ideas or has had a similar problem? What I may do is simply go over everything again, but wanted to check with the forum.

Thanks!
/s/ Chris

 

So three things come to mind, 1) The strut rod bushings are loose or worn and get excited by road surface irregularities. 2) The rack has excessive slop. 3) the tires have excessive lateral play tendencies.(internal tire quality issue)

 

Thanks! I hadn't thought about the strut rods, but they've been replaced, too (forgot to say that in my post). At this point I am going to go back and re-check everything, including the rods.

Many thanks, again!
/s/ Chris

 

warped discs would only give you the shudder when you apply the brakes.
is it under acceleration, cruising or decelerating?

 

Thanks---It's in steady state cruising. I'm leaning against it being brakes, and more towards tires or wheel bearings. I'll let you know what I find out, and many thanks, again, for your reply. Regards, /s/ Chris