Shimmy when I go to take off

2,845

Asked by tstansbro Apr 07, 2013 at 09:53 AM about the 1996 Ford Thunderbird LX RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 1996 Ford thunderbird with the 4.6l v8. When I go to take off, there is a slight shimmy/vibration when I go to
take off. But after a second or two, it stops. I checked the driveshaft and its got 4 bolts in the u-joints on a circular
holster. And there is six holes, could that be it? Or would that be the tranny? Any help would be great.

2 Answers

18,675

Check the u-joints for play. If this shimmy just started it is not likely to be the positioning of the drive shaft. If the U-joints are good, then check the 4 CV joints on the back axle. They IRS means you have CV joints, 2 per side, to connect the wheels to the differential.

2,845

I checked the U-joints, there is no play. And the shimmy was in the car when I bought it. I've had the car for about 3 days now and I'm now kinda nervous to drive it if you know what I mean. And it does have an IRS (Independent rear suspension) and its only got two CV joints. one on each side. The shimmy only lasts for a second and then it quit.

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