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.

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.

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 +/-).

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.

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.

David,

Did you get the shimmy fixed?

dan

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.