Barney Eaton Posted March 4, 2002 Share Posted March 4, 2002 How common is the problem? Check the April issue of Motor Trend. On page 46 of a comparison of a BMW M3 ($57,220)convertible and a MB CLK55 AMG ($82,725) convertible, they say "On bumpy surfaces, the M3's chassis demonstrates noticabley more cowl shake than the CLK55--a quality not betfitting a car of this caliber."<P>So don't fret Reatta convertible owners, 10 years and much technology later, the problem still exists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reatta guy Posted March 4, 2002 Share Posted March 4, 2002 HI BARNAY:<BR>About cowl shake, my '90 convertible had quite a bit of shake. <BR>I put new tires on and it help about 90% better. <BR>I always like to replace tires when I get a used car and this time it sure helped!<P>The other tec adviser ART Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted March 4, 2002 Author Share Posted March 4, 2002 Art, I'm not sure if it is a science or black magic.<P>Bulletin 91-10-40 (Dec '91) Title "Convertible shake and/or jitter"<BR>This is the bulletin that added the 10mm shim under each side of the rear spring. And causes most 1991 convertibles to sit higher in the back than other Reattas.<BR>There seems to be no logic how this can fix the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EDBS0 Posted March 5, 2002 Share Posted March 5, 2002 Barney, Barney, Barney very important effect often used by dealers. Officially called the <I>"Placebo effect".</I> Also known as sugar pill. Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 7, 2002 Share Posted March 7, 2002 Reatta Guy... what brand and size of tires did you use? Barney: Isn't there a tech bulletin from GM on this topic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reatta guy Posted March 7, 2002 Share Posted March 7, 2002 The tires are Bridgestone Potenza RE92 size P215/65/R15 95H. I carry 35lbs front and 30lbs rear.<P>The other Reatta Tec. advisor ART Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 7, 2002 Share Posted March 7, 2002 My four cents worth (two each on two topics):<P>1. Visualize a side view of a Reatta convertible with the doors and top removed. You see a mass at the front and a mass at the rear, held together at the bottom by a flat floorpan. Ergo the twist'n'shake.<P>In the olden days, a massive frame (usually from a station wagon) supported the whole sheebang. But since the days of the frameless component/psuedo-monocoque body, you have what's known as "cowl shake." Ain't no special tires, struts or wishful thinkin' gonna change that, friends.<P>2. On the Maui blue '90, I have Pirelli P6000 225x60x16Rs (Z-rated). Stiff, almost harsh ride. On the new black beauty, at the urging of my tire guy, I went with P4000 225x60x16Rs (H-rated). Much smoother (not softer). <P>My four cents worth.<P>Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 8, 2002 Share Posted March 8, 2002 JJ... is you 90 a convert? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 9, 2002 Share Posted March 9, 2002 Yeah, BB, both of 'em are ragtops. It's a sickness...<P>Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 14, 2002 Share Posted March 14, 2002 Barney:<P> Wasn't the addition of "mass dampers" part of the TSB where the back spring was shimmed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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