Intermittent front end shimmy

Discuss your 2000-2005 Bonneville SE, SLE, SSEi, Buick Le Sabre 00-05 and Buick Park Avenue 97-05. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
Post Reply
jim01028
SE Member
SE Member
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:59 am
Year and Trim: 2004 SE

Intermittent front end shimmy

Post by jim01028 »

Hi all, it's a weird problem with my 2004 SE, sometimes around 65 - 70 mph, the front end will feel like it is shimmying a bit, but other days on the same road it's fine. On another highway 4 days ago it was more pronounced. All 4 tires have less than 5k on them and I have had the wheels rotated twice and it made very little difference. It's not at the point where it is a problem, but maybe it will become one. Thanks Jim
imidazol97
Posts like an L67
Posts like an L67
Posts: 1204
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2008 7:55 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 Lesabre Limited, 2008 Cobalt, 2014 Malibu

Re: Intermittent front end shimmy

Post by imidazol97 »

jim01028 wrote:Hi all, it's a weird problem with my 2004 SE, sometimes around 65 - 70 mph, the front end will feel like it is shimmying a bit, but other days on the same road it's fine.
\

What kind of tires?

Has the alignment been trued up to perfection by a knowledgeable GM alignment guy? Have the tires been Road Force balanced at the highest sensitivity? Are they less than 12 pounds?

That's what fixed it for my leSabre with the original tires when new.
jim01028
SE Member
SE Member
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:59 am
Year and Trim: 2004 SE

Re: Intermittent front end shimmy

Post by jim01028 »

The tires are Dunlop SP60 225/16R all season radials. No to all of the questions, but what you said makes sense. There are several GM dealerships nearby so I can go there. Thanks for advice imidazol97


What kind of tires?

Has the alignment been trued up to perfection by a knowledgeable GM alignment guy? Have the tires been Road Force balanced at the highest sensitivity? Are they less than 12 pounds?

That's what fixed it for my leSabre with the original tires when new.
jim01028
SE Member
SE Member
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:59 am
Year and Trim: 2004 SE

Re: Intermittent front end shimmy

Post by jim01028 »

Well whatever the problem was, it went away without any intervention from me. No shimmy between 60 and 75 mph, but it was there for at least 6 months to varying degrees. Now I can devote my time to repairing the front end on my 02 Hyundai Santa Fe as soon as the weather gets a little warmer. Take care all and drive safely.
Post Reply