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Wobble

Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 5 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 5 Series (E12, E28, E34, E39, E60 & E61)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=46718
Printed Date: 16-June-2024 at 08:54


Topic: Wobble
Posted By: bazzer
Subject: Wobble
Date Posted: 19-May-2010 at 17:07

Gents, I have a 99 523 and recently it has developed a bad shake through the steering wheel when braking from 50-60mph.What should be the very 1st thing to check, front wheel balance ?           ;

 

 




Replies:
Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 19-May-2010 at 22:07
E39's are very sensitive to wheel balance but I think the most likely culprit is the thrust arm bushes (the thrust arm is number 4 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DM42&mospid=47539&btnr=31_0617&hg=31&fg=05 - here , and I think the bush is number 5).  When they go they cause a shimmy at 50-60mph, which is usually much worse under braking (as that's when the bush is loaded).

Welcome to the forum!


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E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper

Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6,

E34 535iS



Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 20-May-2010 at 08:08
Originally posted by jetsetwilly2000 jetsetwilly2000 wrote:


E39's are very sensitive to wheel balance but I think the most likely culprit is the thrust arm bushes (the thrust arm is number 4 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DM42&mospid=47539&btnr=31_0617&hg=31&fg=05 - here , and I think the bush is number 5).  When they go they cause a shimmy at 50-60mph, which is usually much worse under braking (as that's when the bush is loaded).Welcome to the forum!


Second that. Go somewhere with some space (car park) and turn you steering wheel almost full. Drive walking speed and dab the brakes to still stand. You may hear it knocking.
I would replace BOTH sides. Avoid cheap aftermarket parts if you can.

How old are you brake disks and pads?
Do you drive the car everyday?

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E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg.....


Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 20-May-2010 at 08:20

Just watch out with some of the bolts needed to replace the bits jetsetwilly2000 mentioned.

Some of these are throw away i.e. use/tighten only once and some of the nuts and or bolts have an eccentric washers on them which is used as a cam to adjust the front wheel alignment which will then need done if you disturb them.



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Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!

Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto


Posted By: bazzer
Date Posted: 20-May-2010 at 08:33
Thanks for your replies,the pads are about 8 months old, discs I dont know how old and I do drive it everyday.


Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 20-May-2010 at 10:24
Check the bushes first.  The knock test is a good one, otherwise get under it and try to move the arm.

-------------
E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper

Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6,

E34 535iS



Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 20-May-2010 at 18:52
Originally posted by jetsetwilly2000 jetsetwilly2000 wrote:

Check the bushes first.  The knock test is a good one, otherwise get under it and try to move the arm.


It was very hard to test my arms whilst on the car but when I had them out you could clearly see the rubber cracked and ripped to pieces. I didn't bother changing the bush, bought the whole arm.

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E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg.....


Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 20-May-2010 at 19:47
Did you need to do anything regarding front wheel alignment afterwards?

-------------
Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!

Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto



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