Ford Repair: 1999 Ford Contour Mystery Shimmy, ford contour, wheel bearings


Question
Hi Jeff.   I am hoping to pick your brain regarding a chronic problem with my Wife's 1999 Ford Contour SE V6, 5speed. In the last year or so the car has developed a significant shake or shimmy during moderate to hard exceleration. This is most apparent in 2nd and 3rd gears, but can be felt across all gears. This shake is eliminated as soon as the throttle is backed off. There is no vibration at high speeds, only during exceleration. We have had the car at the Ford dealer a couple of times and have them stumped as to what the possible cause is. The Mechanics can feel the problem, as it is that significant, but during a 2 day test they were still unable to find the cause. The car has now had the clutch checked and 1 Axle replace, had a full 4 wheel alighnment done and new tires installed to no avail. I hope you can help us with this one.  

Answer
Hi Bob,
Have your mechanic change the other axle and have him also check the wheel bearings on both sides. Make sure the motor and trans mounts are OK. They go out on Countour's all the time (the left side mount goes out and the trans sits on the frame). GOOD LUCK!

Jeff
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