Thursday, November 28, 2013
What Are Shimmy Shocks
Although new to some, the Shimmy Shock has been around for quite some time. Invented by T.W. Koerner and patented in 1933 it made a substantial difference in the comfort and handling of a vehicle. The current design of the Shimmy Shock has changed considerably with improved technology.
The Problem
Cars built before the 1930s were a wonder of invention and a convenience but not without their challenges. One of the problems drivers experienced was a direct translation of the bumps in the road to the driver through the steering wheel. This vibration was fatiguing to the driver as well as hard on the cars steering system.
The Solution
T.W. Koerners invented the Shimmy Shock to eradicate or lessen the shock transmitted to the steering from the ground wheels. The original Shimmy Shock was designed as a rubber cushion inserted into a hub in the rock arm that connected to the rock shaft in the steering linkage. It was secured by a circular flange (large washer) above it and a nut bolting onto the rock shaft that extended through the rocker arm. This required a significant change in the design of the rock arm.
The Solution Today
With this same goal in mind of decreasing vibrations that travel thought the steering system to the driver consequently increasing control, improving safety and easing driver fatigue, todays technology has designed shock absorber called a steering stabilizer, steering damper or sprint damper. It is a hydraulic device mounted to the steering linkage horizontally across the front of the vehicle. When the shock or stabilizer is worn or damaged you experience vibration while steering the vehicle, resulting in greater tire wear.
