Dear Forumites:

My 1995 940 Wagon with 120k has a shimmy in the wheel that balancing/rotation won't make go away. I've read the FAQ and postings about wheel balancing, but wanted to explore other possibilities before I have the wheels balanced for the third time.

The wheel oscillates slightly back and forth. It doesn't really feel like a vibration, and the rest of the car doesn't seem to shake, only the wheel. The shimmy is most apparant at highway speeds. Only other problems are that a noticable tug on the steering wheel to one side or the other when going over potholes/construction occurs, and the bearing in the top of the steering column clunks when turning in a parking lot etc. Otherwise, I'm amazed at how well the car rides for the miles.

When having a front end alignment done, the mechanic said he couldn't get enough caster on the passenger side, hence a slight pull to that side. I thought this might be because of worn strut rod bushings. Thought these two problems might be related, and was hoping someone else had this problem and had solved it.

Other Questions:

1. If it is strut rod bushings, how many of you have used polyurethane and how do you like them vs rubber? Does the rear bushing where the strut rod bolts to the chassis need to be pressed out?

2. Since this car is a non turbo, acceleration is pretty meager. I was considering getting the performance cam from IPD and their sport exhaust. Has any one installed either of them, and how did they work out? Has anyone installed similar products from other suppliers?

3. I was considering purchasing some of the Volvo shop manuals. What is the verdict on them?

Thanks in advance to all who help make this a fun and informative site.

Scott