Something Broke........ 1981 Vette

[gambit]

I hit 3 potholes in a row today going 60mph, unavoidable, right after that a serious car shudder started. I thought it was a flat tire, but slowed down and it stopped, speed up and it started again the whole car shakes violently. The tires are fine. It drives fine under 45, no noise or shaking or anything, but as soon as I go over 45 its like the whole car is going to fall apart. Anybody have any ideas what this might be? I can think of several options, but want your feedback. Anybody had this happen?

1981 Corvette

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Look for the simplest thing first.
Check to see if you lost a wheel weight.
Broken belt of the tire(s)
If not, then a bent tie rod or bent control arm rod.

Whatever is it, it's either a balance or symettry problem if you don't feel it at lower speed.

Good luck!

 

[craig32]

A bent wheel will do that too, any of which can be determined at an alignment shop. The tire balancer will tell if you lost a weight or the wheel is bent. I have at least one bent, thanks to previous owners, rumbles like hell @ 65. . .

Craig

 

[lone73]

If you don't find a bent wheel or whatever...

I've seen cars do that going down the road... Very worn out cars. They'll be going along fine then the front wheels start to shake left/right violently. You may have some steering parts that are badly worn, like the idler arm maybe...drag link??. the pot holes could've knocked the alignment out enough to change the dynamics of the thing and cause the oscillations to start.

Good luck
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