Wheel shimmy

[thegreenman]

Looks like I found the cause of my shimmy in the mid 70's. I assumed incorrectly it was my wheels, I ordered new tires/wheels. With the new tires/wheels it seemed good for several weeks then the shimmy seemed to come back. My breaks were squealing once warmed up and I ordered new pads, since I have a stubborn shimmy I ordered new rotors also to play it safe.

I lifted the front of the Vette, spun the wheels (as I have done several times before) and found out the right side brake calipers were dragging a little, I am thinking this is what has been causing my shimmy.

I went ahead and installed the rotors and pads today. So far, no more shimmy and the brakes no longer are squealing. If the calipers drag again in the future, I will probably rebuild all four.

[C4fan]

I'm not an alignment/brake expert at all, but your caliper can't drag unless the pistons are sticking. If this is the case your problem will come right back. Your rotor can drag when rotated if it is warped. Usually, when this happens you will notice a wobble (sort of) when braking. I believe this can happen if the rotors get heated. I have also heard that tightening the lugs incorrectly can cause warping. I always make sure anyone removing/replacing my wheels uses a torque wrench. I have had lots of problems with front end vibrations on various vehicles (never the vette) and the problem has almost always gone away with new tires or a better tire shop who know how to balance properly.

[thegreenman]

I suspected the rotors but the braking was good, no pulling or surging, it had me puzzled. When I changed the pads, I pushed the pistons all the way back and so far the shimmy hasn't come back.