Hey guys. I hope this post doesn't upset too many people, but I had a quick question about my '91 Civic hatch.

I purchased this car to serve as my DD, to try and keep my S as nice a spossible. When I purchased the car, it shimmied terribly. About two weeks ago my buddy and I installed an OEM replacement Exedy clutch, CV shafts, brake rotors, and Wagner ceramic pads. However, the shimmy still exists.

Today, the left wheel started to make a flapping noise. The axle boot isn't torn, and the CV shaft nut is tight. I jacked up the car and tried to shake the wheel, expecting th hub or wheel bearing was worn, but it is firm. The tires are set at 32 psi, and there is still a shimmy and the noise.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

did you check the tie rod and suspension arms?

 

No, I didn't check the tie rods or suspension arms?

This is my first experiance with this a shimmy that wasn't solved with replacing the brake rotors. What exactly am I looking for...just making sure everything is tight?

What do you guys think about a stuck caliper? Maybe it is not squeezing when I press the brake pedal, causing it to shimmy fromthe play of the wheel.

Oh yeah, I checked the lug nuts too, and they're tight. Thanks again.

 

what exactly do you mean by "shimmy"? i was thinking you meant a vibration or play in the wheel while driving... if were talkin about the same thing, then make sure the tie rod is tight and no cracks, wear, etc...

 

im surprised you got no help on honda-tech.

i dont think it's your brakes. every and i mean every shimmy i had from my eg was tire related. civic suspension bushings can be totally shot and you probably woulnt get much of a shimmy.

take that wheel off and switch it to the other side. if the shimmy switches, there is your culprit.

i would suspect a tire rod end before a bushing.

 

Are you running aftermarket wheels?

If so, are they hub-centric or were hub-centric rings supplied ?

Were the rings re-installed after the front end work was done ?

 

Not just a vibration of the steering wheel, but a rock back and forth as I brake.

I will look at the tierod ends today, and also swap the front wheels.

The wheels are not stock, but they are nothing that I would think would effect the hub: 195/75R15.

Thanks again guys.

PS-I've never had good luck with Honda-Tech, it is almost like you have to have a minimum of 4,356 posts before they will give you a straight answer. Maybe it's just me.

 

Find some OEM Honda wheels and try them;I'll bet the shimmy goes away.


I had an 89 CRX that I had purchase some cheap alloys for and the car was horrible to drive

Swapped out for some OEM Honda alloys (93 DelSol's) and the car was back to normal

 

i vote for wheels as well...i had a shimmy upgraded to bigger oem wheels and voila prob solved

 

Surpise, Surprise! It was the wheels.

Actually, what was on the wheels.

It has been kind of muddy and damp here in KY for a week or so. I work at a farm, hence I wanted this Civic for my DD.

Anyway, I took the wheel off this morning and the inside of the rim was covered in mud. Knocked that crap off and the shimmy is gone.

If it hadn't been for it getting dark at 5pm, I would have probably noticed it last night.

Thanks again guys.

I guess it was a "My Cousin Vinny" mud in the tires.