vibration/shimmy

I have a 1997 GTI 2.0. I have a shimmy at low speeds. It gets smoother as you go faster. It does not get stronger under hard braking. The front end is very slightly out of alighnment. There is not any popping or creeking when I turn the wheel. There is not any squeeling or scraping noises.

I have someone that has suggested warped rotors, but I have hard time believing that since it doesn't get worse when I use the brakes. Any other suggestions?

Check the tires for any uneven wear or bubbling,etc. Also check the front end (including the rack) for any play. Check that the rims aren't bent.

Check the tires for any uneven wear or bubbling,etc. Also check the front end (including the rack) for any play. Check that the rims aren't bent.

Tires look OK on visual inspection. Is there any way to check the roundness of the rims without a wheel balancing machine?

This is my first front wheel drive car and my first with independent front suspension (I previously only owned american 4x4s). What components am I checking for play and how much play is OK if any?

With the front end supported off the ground, have a friend firmly and slowly shake the tire by grabbing the tire at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock position and look if there is any play at the lower ball joints and upper strut mounts and struts or upper ball joint (if applicable.) Next have him shake the tire at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and look to see if there is any play at the inner or outer tie rod, rack and pinion or gear box ( if applicable.) While you have the wheels up in the air, spin them and try to eyeball them to see if they are bent. Start there. My thought is that you have a bad rack. One quick test for the rack is with the car sitting level, push down repeatedly on the front of the car at the center of the hood (by the hood emblem if you have one) and look at the steering wheel. If the steering wheel jumps back and forth excessively, you may have a bad rack. ( If all else checked out previously.)