Tales of whoa and a front end shake

[Danr55]

As many of you know, I've had a problem with the front end on my car shaking on the right side. I've had three sets of wheels, and several different sets of tires and they all do the same thing. After consulting with some folks who are knowledgeable on the subject, it has been suggested that perhaps the thrust angle of the right side is not correct. Now I need to find someone who can check and adjust as needed. My one hope has pretty much fizzled on me. Does anyone know of an alginment shop that has the expertise to check and adjust the thrust angle on a Jag XKE front end, in the greater Phoenix area?

[Detroit Bill]

Originally Posted by Danr55

As many of you know, I've had a problem with the front end on my car shaking on the right side. I've had three sets of wheels, and several different sets of tires and they all do the same thing. After consulting with some folks who are knowledgeable on the subject, it has been suggested that perhaps the thrust angle of the right side is not correct. Now I need to find someone who can check and adjust as needed. My one hope has pretty much fizzled on me. Does any know of an alginment shop that has the expertise to check and adjust the thrust angle on a Jag XKE front end, in the greater Phoenix area?

How about a vintage Jag specialist?
Vintage Jaguar Service and Repairs! - Phoenix automotive services - backpage.com

[Scotchman]

I'd call Jack's Auto Allignment on Thomas and 29th st before paying a Jag specialist. They work on our Cobras. Maybe you can give them the details over the phone, i.e. Jag suspension. Good luck !

[vatdevil]

IRS correct? Then you need a 4 wheel alignment, which will verify correct thrust setting.

[DWRAT]

I just had a computerized 4 wheel alignment done at Network Alignment. $59.00
That's who Browns Auto Recommended.

[vettestr]

I use Network a lot but as I told you any shop should be able to check the thrust angle during a 4 wheel alignment. Thrust angle is to simply verify or find the true driven centerline of the tires or thrust line. The rear of an IRS is adjustable but the front spindles are fixed for the most part. But none the less , easy to check and part of the alignment as the new electronic units just need a button push.

On a (apologize for home built) home built car the extended centerline or merge of all 4 wheels can vary beyond ideal. When strange problems arise with suspension it is a good thing to verify. You said it happens during acceleration but not decal. so look at camber changes.

[Danr55]

OK. I just went back and verified and reset the watts linkage and guess what, the shake is gone. Seems Mr. Classic hit the nail on the head.. the right side was a full degree off (set back) from where is should have been. I clocked the angle on the control arm disaasembled everything, manually reset the angle and adjusted the linkage accordingly. Took it out and just tried like heck to make that nasty old shake come back and it was gone.

Thanks Jeff for being there..

[vettestr]

Great news Dan. These cars are such a rush, even better when running right. lol

[Thor maine]

A happy ending.

[Karl Bebout]

Danr will break something else....

[Danr55]

Believe me, Karl knows about breaking stuff.

[Scotchman]

We all know about breaking stuff. If you're not wearing out or breaking the parts on these cars, you're not using them. Drive 'em like they're stolen, just don't call me to bail you out !

[Mesa Mike]

Scotchman...you nailed it. If you don't drive it you won't BREAK it. I have my engine parts at the machine shop having a do over for my engine. It won't be complete by picnic time but will for my next track day, april 18. As far as i'm concern regarding engines, easy in/easy out. What better way to clean your engine bay!!!

[Dwight]

maybe this is our problem

Thrust Angle

[Danr55]

In the continuing saga.....I went to jacks alignment and found out that the right rear wheel was not running true. It was about .155" out of true. A bit of work and it now runs less than .010 true. Amazing how smooth everything runs when the rear end doesn't bump.

[Scotchman]

Dwight,
Good article

[mikiec]

Breakage is fine, if you can afford to fix it. So far been lucky. Still on the same motor and read end. I did have to rebuilt my
If I break something now the car will sit for a long time.

[DWRAT]

Originally Posted by mikiec

Breakage is fine, if you can afford to fix it. So far been lucky. Still on the same motor and read end. I did have to rebuilt my
If I break something now the car will sit for a long time.

What did you have to rebuild?

[mikiec]

One year at Laughlin the clutch cable broke going from first to second gear. I told the tranny it was going into 2nd it said no.. Broke a synchro and dog. Put in all new synchros, new first to second gear everything.including slider.

[Car Nut]

Whoa

Woe

Wow