Discussion
Hi guys, I have recently brought an S3 8 years after selling my S1. I just couldn't be without any longer.
I'm hoping you can put my rind to rest about something thats been bothering me since I brought it.
The car seems to suffer from severe scuttle shake. Is this normal or do I have a serious problem somewhere?
Over severe bumps you can see the top part of the dash (the bit with the dials in) moving in relation to the transmission tunnel (the bit with the TR7 switches in). I had the car professionally inspected before I brought it so I believe the chassis is sound. I have also replaced the steering bulkhead bearing and the top UJ which has made a fantastic difference to the steering. However the shake is still there. It seems to be much better though with the roof on. I don't remember my S1 being that bad but it has a one piece dashboard so wouldn't have been as obvious. It doesn't actually spoil the fun, I'm just worried that there is a structural fault somewhere
So if any S3 owners out there can tell me their cars do the same then I can stop worrying and start enjoying myself.
Cheers...RP
I'm hoping you can put my rind to rest about something thats been bothering me since I brought it.
The car seems to suffer from severe scuttle shake. Is this normal or do I have a serious problem somewhere?
Over severe bumps you can see the top part of the dash (the bit with the dials in) moving in relation to the transmission tunnel (the bit with the TR7 switches in). I had the car professionally inspected before I brought it so I believe the chassis is sound. I have also replaced the steering bulkhead bearing and the top UJ which has made a fantastic difference to the steering. However the shake is still there. It seems to be much better though with the roof on. I don't remember my S1 being that bad but it has a one piece dashboard so wouldn't have been as obvious. It doesn't actually spoil the fun, I'm just worried that there is a structural fault somewhere
So if any S3 owners out there can tell me their cars do the same then I can stop worrying and start enjoying myself.
Cheers...RP
I have an s3 and mine does this in exactly the same way as you describe. If those two bits of the dash were bolted together you probably wouldn't notice it. Mine doesn't do it at all with the roof on but does with the roof off. I wouldn't worry about it.
Over severe bumps you can see the top part of the dash (the bit with the dials in) moving in relation to the transmission tunnel (the bit with the TR7 switches in).
Regards,
Mark
dern said:I have an s3 and mine does this in exactly the same way as you describe. If those two bits of the dash were bolted together you probably wouldn't notice it. Mine doesn't do it at all with the roof on but does with the roof off.
Over severe bumps you can see the top part of the dash (the bit with the dials in) moving in relation to the transmission tunnel (the bit with the TR7 switches in).
Regards,
Mark
Yep mine's the same!
Regards,
Tony
Interesting problem this one. Now there are several things that can cause this shaking. The first simple thing to check is the steering bearings, as it could just be that the steering wheel is shaking and giving the impression that the front suspension is all over the place. Now if your steering is sound check the shocks and springs. If they are ok then it is most likely that the front bushes will all need replacing with the nylon type to take up the play. My S2 bushes were all looking ok and seemed solid, but I still have the shake and may well opt for the replacement. Lastly the steering set up can alter the feel of the car so have the geometry checked at you local specialist. The wishbones are easy to get off but getting the old bushes out and the new ones in is not so simple.
good luck chaps.
gadgit.
good luck chaps.
gadgit.
gadgit,
On my car there's no shake or vibes through the steering or through the chassis, there's just an impression the body is shifting about if you see what I mean. I'm sure it's just a product that the car has a separate chassis and the body is bolted to it rather than serious flexing of the body of a monocoque constructed car, if you see what I mean. It doesn't feel like it handles any differently at all with the roof off once you can ignore the 2 bits of the dash moving slightly in relation to each other.
Is this what everyone else is getting?
Regards,
Mark
On my car there's no shake or vibes through the steering or through the chassis, there's just an impression the body is shifting about if you see what I mean. I'm sure it's just a product that the car has a separate chassis and the body is bolted to it rather than serious flexing of the body of a monocoque constructed car, if you see what I mean. It doesn't feel like it handles any differently at all with the roof off once you can ignore the 2 bits of the dash moving slightly in relation to each other.
Is this what everyone else is getting?
Regards,
Mark
dern said: gadgit,
On my car there's no shake or vibes through the steering or through the chassis, there's just an impression the body is shifting about if you see what I mean. I'm sure it's just a product that the car has a separate chassis and the body is bolted to it rather than serious flexing of the body of a monocoque constructed car, if you see what I mean. It doesn't feel like it handles any differently at all with the roof off once you can ignore the 2 bits of the dash moving slightly in relation to each other.
Is this what everyone else is getting?
Regards,
Mark
Yep sounds exactly like mine.
Steering etc seems ok. No uneven tyre wear to indicate any other probs. I find it best to look out the windscreen, that way it's not noticeable.
'They all do this sir'. Mines 105K miles young and lower part v upper part of dash shimmy's around like a good Tina Turner video - until you put the roof panels back in - now, that reminds me, where the hell are those roof panels? Never mind, sun's still out - dig around the garage over Easter when it's bound to be raining.....
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