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2002 Chrysler Sebring Shimmy when braking

Tiny
SMEAGOL
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 117,000 MILES
I have a 2002 Sebring 2dr coupe LXi 3.0L V6, manual transmission.
I get a shimmy when I brake especially lightly. If I brake hard there is little or no shimmy.
I have replaced the rotors, calipers, front wheel bearings, drive shafts, struts, strut bearings, and sway bar links.
First assumed it was warped rotors, Then figured maybe calipers were acting up when they got hot. Seemed okay when cold.
Front bearings needed replacing anyway (making noise) and figured with over 100K should replace CV joints while I had it apart.
Replaced struts thinking they were the problem and the strut bearings were shot and needed replacing. Was suggested that I try the sway bar links since they connect to the struts. The lower joints were bad, sloppy.
So what can be the cause of the shimmy?
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 8:43 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi Smeagol,

Thank you for the donation.

After replacement of the parts listed, is the shimmy similar, better or worse than before replacement?
Do you feel the shimmy at the steering wheels only?
Any shimmy feelings on the foot pedal?
Were the tires checked?
Any inspection done on the steering linkages and control arm ball joints?
Were the hubs tested for lateral runout?
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
SMEAGOL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The shimmy is about the same

I definitely feel and see the shimmy in the steering wheel.

I do not believe I feel the shimmy in the pedal.

Tires are new and I had them rebalanced

Wheels (rims) were just replaced.

I asked for the car to be aligned but was told it did not need it.

I cannot say that the steering linkage was checked nor can I say the control arm ball joints were checked.

I am assuming you mean the rotors were checked for lateral runout. No they were not.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
You should get the rotors checked and the flange where the rotor seats on the hub.

Linkages should be checked as well.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 1:06 PM
Tiny
SMEAGOL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I checked last night and I can definitely feel the shimmy in the brake pedal Actually the whole front end shakes somewhat. Don't know if this makes a difference in what should be checked?
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Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 6:56 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
If the pedal is vibrating, the rear brakes might have to be checked as well.

Start by doing the front first. It could be the only cause.

Recheck the installaton work on those parts replaced.
Measure the rotor runout.
Jack up front of vehicle and manually turn the wheels, note if there is any lateral movement of the tires while they are rotating.

New rotors can be faulty too.
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Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 7:01 AM
Tiny
SMEAGOL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks, since I am going on vacation today I will not get a chance to check the car until I come back. I would like to keep this open until I return.

Once again thanks for your help!
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Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 9:53 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
You're welcome and keep me posted.

Happy holidays.
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Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 12:56 PM
Tiny
SMEAGOL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thought I would let you know the shimmy was being caused by the rear rotors. I replaced them and all is well now.

Can't say your advice really helped any. Another help forum led me to the rear rotors.
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Thank you for the input and glad to know you have fixed the problem.

I did mention about checking the rear brakes but you mentioned you were going on holiday so it was left as it was.

By the way I am surprised that the front end should shimmy when the rear rotors are bad.
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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 7:01 AM

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