The front end on my 1983 240 d just recently started to shake.
This hjappens at any speed. The steering wheel reflects this as well. I seems most prevelent at around 40 but it is noticable at any speed. Can anyone point me to some problems?

Do the cheap things first. Jack up the front end and see if anything is loose or worn, ie. tie rod ends. USE JACKSTANDS if you are getting under the car! Next would be a good balance job. If that doesn't fix it check into a full "on the car" balance and have the tires checked for being out of round before balancing on the car. MY 2cnts.

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Printprocc,

I would bet a bad tire. Jack up car one wheel at a time, front first, and spin tire tire slowly and look for a raised portion caused by a slipped belt. You can also run yor hand over the tire to feel for the bad spot but be careful if any of the steel cords are exposed.

If you can't find a bad spot, switch the tires from front to rear. If this takes out the shimmy, its one of the tires that is bad. Eventually you will be able to find the bad tire because the "lump" will keep getting worse.

Only fix is to replace the tire.

EVen easier first check for the wheel is to have someone in another car drive behind and diagonally to look to see if any of them are bouncing....

Hello Printprocc
With all the snow and ice you have gotten; take it to a DIY car wash and clean out the wheel rims first.
I ran into a small snow bank in an icy parking lot; shake at all speeds appeared, took it to a DIY car wash and cleaned out the wheel rims, shake was gone.
Have a great day.

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Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
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whunter,

great tip regards to cleaning the wheel rims. have a 190d and during my commute the last two weeks, get a good heavy vibration around 30 miles into the drive. Once I brake or slow down the vibration stops.

mgmanatee

Thanks for the feed back so far.
Here is what ive done so far. I have jacked the front end up (on jackstands and have spun the wheels. There is one that is slightly and I mean slightly lumpy. Fortunately it is the oldest on the car and the first to be replaced. Next the wheels seem to be solid so I am rulling out tie rod ends. No play when I tug on the wheels. With the entire front up the whole steering system moves with ease and with absolutely no play when pushing and pulling on a tire. The steering wheel has always had play.

Lastly this might be the most help, the wobble is noticeable the instant the car moves, either forward or reverse and here is the kicker. When moving at idle speed you can let go of the steering wheel and on each rotation of the tires the steering wheel will jump roughly 30 degrees pulling the car to the left.

One last thing when driving the car pulls to the left.

Will definately try cleaning the wheels though, Thanks

Hello Printprocc
Left front rotor is warped.
I would replace both front rotors and pads ASAP.
Have a great day.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Printprocc,

Replace the "slightly lumpy" tire with the spare and try driving the car again. If the shimmy goes away, its that tire you replaced that's bad.

P E H

Remember that sometimes more than one thing can go wrong at the same time without being related.. you may need to follow both PEH's and WHunter's advise to get a smooth car again....
Then do a search and see if you want to consider taking some of the play out of the steering by adjusting the steering box...but read all you can about it first because it can be dangerous if you do it wrong.

thank you PEH, you were right. I found my left front tire was bubbling. I replaced with the spare and the shake is gone. Thanks to you and to all, as usual, you folks hit hte nail on the head.

Paul Roberts

Printprocc,

I just love it when I'm right. LOL

P E H