Vibration/Shimmy

Subject: Vibration/Shimmy Wed Nov 01, 2006 4:09 pm

I get a fairly significant vibration when I’m traveling about 65 mph in my 1992 (Pkg B) Miata. At 60 or 70 it’s not noticeable but quite a distraction at 65? I’ve heard folks say that this is common and refer to it as “the 65 mph shimmy” but I’d like to know if anyone has had any luck correcting it… making it go away. Thanks for any assistance you may provide.

David

Guest

David
I have heard of this too but have never experienced it. It may be as simple as a need for an alignment or tires being out of balance. I have an alignment done once a year (all 4 wheels) as the adjustment bolts could become loose or something could move if you hit a pothole or curb. Tires are rotated or balanced every 6,000 miles (although doing autocross my tires won't last too long .

If you have the tires rotated and the shimmy goes away maybe you can track it down to a specific tire.

Subject: Shimmy Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:40 pm

Thanks Jeff,

I'm due a rotation and I'll have the tires balanced at that time. If that doesn't correct the problem, I'll attempt to get a very accurate alignment (tight specs).

David

Subject: Autocross Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:42 pm

jeff wrote:: although doing autocross my tires won't last too long

You're doing autocross???:?:

Guest

Autocross 2 to 4 days per month from March through November. I use the factory specs for alignment but may try something different next year. I really don't want anything too radical as I drive the car daily too.

What year is your car? I have the 2002 factory manual on CD if that will help.

Subject: Shimmy Wed Nov 08, 2006 6:45 pm

I've got a 1992. I'll take it to Dobbs. They seem to be the alignment kings around here... I've taken my Solara and they are willing to work with me (keeping tight to the specs without much +/-).

Guest

Somewhere on the www.miata.net site, probably in the garage section, are some suggested alignment settings. For my car there are at least 1/2 dozen settings from street to track. I believe my manual wants your body weight put in the drivers seat.

You might check with the Gateway club and get their recommendations.

Subject: Re: Vibration/Shimmy Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:54 pm

David, You may be experiencing a tire with a belt going bad as well. When that happens....a multitude of symptoms can result. Some say the "shimmy" is just a part of Miata ownership...but that simply isn't true. Good luck. You will find the cause when you pursue it.

Subject: Re: Vibration/Shimmy Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:15 am

David,

Did you get the shimmy fixed?

dan

Subject: Vibration/Shimmy Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:32 pm

Hi Dan,

I had my tires checked but haven't worried about the shimmy too much over the winter. I'm planning on getting the tires rotated and balanced along with a thorough alignment next weekend. I'm due new plug wires (due to a rat attack), oil change, and a good radiator flush too before Jim/Kathi and Cyndy/I head out to Moab next month.