93 continental....shimmy

I'm getting frustrated, and going broke....I have a 93 continental that has a terrible shutter in the front end when it gets over 45 mph.....tie rod ends were changed, ka-ching.....rotors. caliper, pads, ka-ching......allignment, ka-ching.....None of the so-called experts at my local shops can figure it out....anyone here have similar issues, please help me!!!

I take it you've also ruled out Tires and Wheels as suspects?

Are you feeling the shudder in the steering wheel, directly? Could this possibly be a transmission shudder instead of suspension & steering components?

EDIT: I found this in the service manual, re: Vibration.

«Group 04: SUSPENSION»
«Section 04-04: Wheels and Tires»
«ADJUSTMENTS»

Vibration

If vehicle vibration persists after the wheels have been balanced, it may be caused by either tire or wheel runout. The vibration may also be caused by damage to the tire tread or sidewall, a worn or bent halfshaft, engine vibration or worn engine mounts, frozen (seized) shock absorbers or unindexed tires/wheels.

CAUTION:
Do not align the vehicle for vibration concerns. Vibration cannot be improved or eliminated by alignment.

Tire and Wheel Runout

Tools Required:

Rotunda Radial Run-Out Gauge 007-00014

Excessive radial and lateral runout of a wheel and tire assembly can cause roughness, vibration, wheel tramp and steering wheel nibble (tremor).

To avoid false readings caused by temporary flat spots in the tires, check runout only after the vehicle has been driven. Visually inspect the tire carcass for abnormal bulges or distortions.

Runout should be measured with a Radial Run-Out Gauge 007-00014 or equivalent. All measurements should be made on the vehicle with the tires inflated to recommended load inflation pressures and with the wheel bearings adjusted to specification.

«1993 Continental Table of Contents»
«Group 05: DRIVELINE»
«Section 05-04: Halfshafts, Front Drive»
«DIAGNOSIS»


Noise and Vibration in Turns

Clicking, popping or grinding noises while turning may be caused by the following:

1. Inadequate or contaminated lube in outboard or inboard CV joints.

2. Another component contacting halfshaft assembly.

3. Worn, damaged or improperly installed wheel bearings, brakes, suspension or steering components.


Vibration at Highway Speeds:

1. Out of balance front wheels or tires.

2. Out of round front tires.

3. Improperly seated outboard CV joint in front wheel hub.

NOTE:
Halfshafts are not balanced and do not contribute to rotational vibration disturbances.


Shudder or Vibration During Acceleration:

1. Excessively high CV joint operating angles caused by improper ride height. Check ride height, verify proper spring rate and check items 2, 3 and 4 under Halfshaft or CV Joint Pullout.

2. Excessively worn or damaged inboard or outboard CV joint.


Halfshaft or CV Joint Pullout

1. Inboard CV joint circlip missing or not properly seated in transaxle side gear.

2. Engine/transaxle assembly mispositioned. Check engine mounts for damage or wear.

3. Frame rail or strut tower out of position or damaged. Check underbody dimensions. Refer to «Section 01-00».

4. Front suspension components worn or damaged. Check for worn bushings or bent components (stabilizer bar, control arm, etc.).