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#1
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front end shimmy on 81 300D
I had the ball joints and tie rods replaced about 2 years ago. I've noticed while driving that there was a rumble at highway speeds. When driving at 20mph, the steering wheel moves from side to side...a shimmy. The steering wheel also has quite a bit of play in it from 12o'clock to 2 o'clock. What should I look for since the front end was rebuilt recently?
Thanks, Clint
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81 300D N/A 130K miles (Nelly) 87 300D Turbo 80K miles (The Scalded Dog...because it runs like a scalded dog) 95 e320 Wagon 104K 2003 Sprinter 47K miles. 1999 Tandem Bicycle One beautiful low miles wife (who likes diesels) (that's my wife holding the sign) My son and I fixing Nelly's odometer |
#2
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Check the front end components any way, including what was replaced.
Also check wheel bearings, brake rotors, pads and calipers. Check all rubber bushings. Check for play in the steering box.
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RRGrassi 70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car 13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete. 91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K 90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K |
#3
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Have the tires been rotated and ballanced recently? Steering box play is adjustable at allen bolt w/19mm securing collar. The allen turns *counter-clockwise* to tighten it, opposite of what you'd expect. Best to paint mark allen adjuster original position first and then test drive at 1/4 - 1/2 turn intervals. With 190k miles on my '79 240 the adjuster has been tightened 3/4 turn (counter-clockwise) from original position. Making the steering too tight with zero end-play, steering gear nylon bushings will self-destruct.
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#4
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If the steering wheel rocks side to side at 20 mph, you have a tire with a broken belt. Inspect for obvious tire damage. jack the car up in front and spin the tires to note a warped tire. Or have a tire shop ck it.
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81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE. |
#5
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I second the tire problem as the most likely cause. I would move the wheels from the back to the front one side at a time to isolate it to the offending tire. Not positive you could visually spot it. Or just put the spare tire on one front side then the other if you do not catch it with the first change.
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