Tom_Tams Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I've got a noticeable vibration in my steering of my series 40 '39 sedan. It goes from being barely noticeable when the car and tires are cold, increasing in intensity with distance driven. It seems to be most noticeable around 30-35mph. I've checked the wheel bearings, king pins, "A" arm bushings and tires. It seems to steer alright so I don't think the alignment is too far out. I'm starting to show signs of frustration. I even pulled the rear end out and checked the "U" joint, it seems to be fine. The only other thing that I can think of is a bent or out of balance drive shaft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Tom, If it is localized in the steering, I suggest you have your tires checked for balance. That would be the first and lowest cost option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 Agree with Mark. Perhaps rotate tires. I have had cars that pulled hard to one side that recovered with a new tire. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLYER15015 Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 Tom,Four new tie rod ends from "Bob's" are not that expensive and an easy DIY. Then have the Toe set by your local garage. How's your steering sector ? This too is an easy DIY adjustment.This solved my "shimmy".Mike in Colorado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Grant Magrath Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 I'm with Mike on this one. You didn't mention any play in the steering? Check the drag link ball joint as well. These wear, and will need a tighten up at some stage.CheersGrant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Simmons Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 Tom, I agree with the statement start with the simple and work to the complex. Jack up the front end of the car have a buddy work the steering while you watch.You will probably see the problem given the severity of the shimming that you are experiencing. Tie-rod ends can be tested by taking one of the front tires in your hands one at three o'clock and one at nine o'clock and moving it back and forth while watching the tie-rod ends reaction to the pressure. This is also a good way to check the pit-man arm, drag link relationship as well. Remember to have an alignment done once you've repaired the problem. Good Luck, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom_Tams Posted April 2, 2012 Author Share Posted April 2, 2012 Thanks for the advice gentlemen, I've followed it and, so far, I've managed to diminish the vibration considerably. The tie rod ends are fairly new and in good shape as are the rest of the suspension components, what I've done so far is to rotate the tires (cris-cross, they're bias ply), checked the tire balance (static, I'll dynamically check them later) and tighten the sway bar links (they were loose).Thanks again, Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom_Tams Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 I've checked the entire front suspension, engine mounts, wheel bearings, replaced sway bar bushings, rotated the tires and had them balanced, the vibration is still there. While test driving the car, I noticed that the vibration stopped and remained stopped until I got going again after stopping at an intersection. After I got back into 3rd gear and the vibration resumed, I pushed the clutch in and let it back out, the vibration was gone. I repeated this several times with the same result. The area of concern would appear to be related to the clutch and transmission, not a happy thought.:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Grant Magrath Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 So maybe worn bearings and bushings in the transmission then? No problems shifting gears? We've just rebuilt our trans so things are fairly fresh in our minds, although for how long..........! CheersGrant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom_Tams Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Hello Grant, I'm personally betting on the input bearing, it's started popping out of gear a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynaflash8 Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Popping out of gear (3rd gear) on deacceleration is almost 99% sure to be a worn out 2 & 3rd shifting fork. I'm betting on the clutch or clutch pressure plate being out of balance or worn funny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Grant Magrath Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Ours used to jump out of gear going uphill. Sounds like it might be time to freshen up the box. North West Tansmissions in Ohio can supply you with rebuilt synchros and rebuild kits. Sometimes it's a matter of taering it down and seeing what you need.CheersGrant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLYER15015 Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 I'm with Dynaflash,To get to the clutch, you have to pull the tx anyway.Sounds like they are both due for a tune up.Mike in Colorado40 team member Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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