My '82 240D has a terribly violent shake at the speeds indicated. I check out the control arms and steering components up front and it appears I have a couple torn ball joint boots and tie rod end boots. Would this really cause such a bad shake and shimmy around 60-65 MPH or should I check for something else?

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1982 240D 225K


1986 VW Jetta (gasoline) 379K


1988 BMW 735i 168K

Yes. I have a mild shake at speed, and it's due to my tie rods. Get the front tires off the ground and try to move them side to side. You'll know if it's from tie rods when you do it, it's pretty noticeable.

Tie rods and center drag links are fairly inexpensive, I'm about to do it myself.

Yep, tie rods and, in my case, the lower ball joints were loose enough to make me shake the rocks outa my head for not doin' them sooner....