front end shimmy at 60mph question

[spools420a]

Hello I have had this shimmy that shakes the front end of the car for a long time now I have replaced rims and tires and balanced all 4 a few times so this is not the issue,When I jack up the front and do a 12oclock/6oclock wiggle test on the tire its firm and nothings loose but when I do 9oclock/3oclock test there is play that comes from the rack and pinion.Before I replace this I want to be sure its the problem,should there be zero play when i wiggle test?also there is a spring in the rack I tightened and this got rid of the shaking steering wheel at the cost of steerin g rebound but the shimmy feeling in the front remains.I just never heard of a rack and pinion causing a shimmy before is this common?

[lunchmeat]

How's your tie rod ends look? Had one go south and it made the wheel shake at highway speeds.

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[anti tyler]

Both tie rod inners/outers are quite cheap.

Look at your rack and pinion bushings also. The energy suspension rack bushings are cheap as well.

Replace them and get an alignment.

Also a warped rotor/s could give off a pulsating feeling in the front end.

[Kidshifty88]

I have the same exact issue.

My steering wheel shakes exactly between 60-65mph constantly. I too have some play with the 12oclock/6oclock wiggle test

My tie rod end boot is torn, so that could be it, or it might be the wheel bearing..

It could be the following

Tie rod ends
Steering rack bushings
Wheel bearings

If I find out the issue, I will update this thread with my experience.

[carcrazee]

check the actual steering rack itself ive seen 240 racks develop play and it may or may not be the issue, but as stated above check tie rods, rack bushings and wheel bearings

[Agamemnon]

Ball joints.

[anti tyler]

Moving the tire/wheel at the 9/3 O'clock position would be attempting to turn the steering wheel as well. there is a degree of movement that the Swheel will allow depending on it's position when you remove the key.

You just have to be careful not to over diagnose the degree of angle between the steering wheel lock and tire/wheel movement.


Also do a visual on your intermediate shaft gasket and joint. It's super easy to tell if the joint is loose or the securing bolt loosened causing some slippage or rounding of the teeth. (Steering shaft coming out of the firewall to the rack)

And most importantly, don't listen to me. I'm just taking random guesses here.