my 1996 disco I has developed a new problem. between 55 and 70 mph it tends to develop a very violent shake. it is not constant, but only begins after i have hit a pothole or other irregularity in the roadway. this shaking is VERY violent and transfers all the way into the steering wheel. it has not yet caused me to lose control, but has forced me to pull over off of the roadway several times, and i am worried that it will cause me to lose control if it continues.

i cannot for the life of me figure what would cause this. tire pressures are all even and correct, all the tie rod ends are tight and have no preceptable play, there is no play in the steering, and all of the shocks seem to function correctly. can anyone give me an idea of what this problem is? i am supposed to drive this truck from minneapolis to orlando next week, and i really dont want to if its behaving like this.

please help if you can, even any ideas of what else to check would be greatly appreciated.

thanks, alex.

 

Ahhh the Disco Death Rattle. Change your steering dampner and all will be well again. At least thats what caused mine.

 

You may also have a preload issue with your swivels, common on older Rovers, having them overhauled would be good.
A steering dampener would be good and also check all the front end bushings, here again, older D1's tear up bushings, you may be getting ready for a new bushing set. If you cna't test everything yourself, take it to an alignment shop and ask them to inspect the steering componets.
Mike