Front end shimmy - Axle?

[gsr20det]

I recently installed the aluminum subframe bushings and discovered a shimmy in the front end when accelerating. Driving straight it's slightly noticable, turning left it isn't noticable, but turning right it is pronounced.

I'm guessing the right side axle is the culprit, perhaps it is rebuilt and has some "extra" room in the race, but the boot is still intact so it's lubed not knocking.

Anyone had a similar occurance? I've triple checked all the subframe bolts, and they are tight.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Sho-Driver]

At what speeds does the shimmy take place? Between 40-60mph, I had a horrible shaking under any typ of acceleration and it all went away with two new half shafts.

 

[gsr20det]

It's not really speed dependant (so I know it's not a wheel balance issue).

It even does it from a stand still. The faster I go, the less it vibrates (and usually the less I am turning as well). On freeway onramps I can get a pretty good shake going.

 

[Sho-Driver]

You say it is not speed dependent, but then you say it subsides as you go faster.

A wheel balance issue would occur even off the throttle.

It sounds like it may be a halfshaft.

 

[gsr20det]

You say it is not speed dependent, but then you say it subsides as you go faster.

Guilty as charged. I always crumble under cross exam :cry: Actually I stated it seemed more dependant on how straight the wheel was pointing, and the faster I am going, the straighter the wheel is - so in an indirect way it is speed dependent I guess.

A wheel balance issue would occur even off the throttle.

True, wheel imbalance is usually between a couple speed ranges and this shimmy is mostly dependant on how much the wheel it turned, not on the speed the car is being driven. I'm sure if I could find a large enough space, the car would shake like **** at 100 miles per hour (say turns 8 and 9 at Willow Springs).

Let me contradict myself a little now: I just jacked the front end up and at high speed, even with the wheel being held straight, it shook a little, but it was more pronouced the more I turned to the right.

It sounds like it may be a halfshaft.

Thanks for the advice! I am guessing there's really little that can be done to service it unlike a bad axle boot? I guess I'm asking if I get my axle "rebuilt", would this solve my problem?

I really do appreciate the input everyone!

 

[Sho-Driver]

I installed two new Raxles half shafts. You can go cheaper routes, but Raxles uses brand new outer joints, are a tad stronger, and carry a lifetime warranty.