[Averdi]

Hey guys, I've had a vibration in my steering wheel around 40-50mph for a little bit now. I got my wheels and tires checked out, all straight, no bends, they're all balanced fine. So I was told to replace the control arms, just got that replaced and it's still there! It's incredibly annoying. Next step thrust arms? Any one have any idea?

EDIT: After 4 months it's fixed with a sticking caliper!!

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Thrust arms & tie rods are the next place to look. Wheel bearings are another possibility, but those generally make a noise when they've gone bad. Start with the first two.

[Averdi]

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

Thrust arms & tie rods are the next place to look. Wheel bearings are another possibility, but those generally make a noise when they've gone bad. Start with the first two.

are these the same and thrust arms? http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E93-335...Arm/ES2580429/

[CantCatchMe]

Same here. I had the dealer do an alignment too since it was pulling to the right. Had balance done. The dealer said it is my tires. I don't how that's possible, brand new. I got them on in May. And it did the same thing with my old wheels and tires(winter setup).

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by Averdi

are these the same and thrust arms? http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E93-335...Arm/ES2580429/

Correct. There's a lower control arm and the thrust arm, or other things people call it: Tension Strut, Upper Control Arm

[Averdi]

Originally Posted by CantCatchMe

Same here. I had the dealer do an alignment too since it was pulling to the right. Had balance done. The dealer said it is my tires. I don't how that's possible, brand new. I got them on in May. And it did the same thing with my old wheels and tires(winter setup).

Same here. Praying it's the thrust arms

[Averdi]

just ordered thrust arms..any other input?

[Averdi]

also if it means anything...the vibrations got worse with the new control arms, maybe its because that these control arms are more stiff and other parts of the suspension are messed up?

[-June-]

I believe the service of having your wheels balanced hasn't been done rite, or should given the information more specific then a "its fine"... The reason I'm aiming the balancing service rather then possible failed suspension is we'r over diagnosing (or mis-diagnose under are nose in some case).

When ever you come to have your wheels balanced, you want full info of what happening and I mean all, even if you just have new tires mounted. Some shop have upscale balance machine that's more clear look of what causing the vibration.
Many causes can vibrate when it comes to the wheels and it only takes 1. You want to make sure you look and see the information the machine reads when balancing a wheel.
The machine provide in:
- Accurate tire pressure ( making sure both axel ,side to side, front and rear are in specs)
- Measuring the rim for accuracy ( the machine knows your rim's dimensions and the differences of the front and rear if its staggered)
- The important of reading Road force. The higher the number of each wheel, the more you will sense it times-what needed weights in any speed.

And by watching the wheel turning in the machine... you could fine if the inner and outer bead of the tire are not sit onto the rim's lips all the way from mounting it, which is common. Check for out of round movement, the abnormal wear of cuppings as-well.

So what I'm saying you want more then hearing a guy said to you on wheel balance "its ALL GOOD SON!"

And yes when install in new suspensions, they are more stiffed to original ride quality or more, That will causes more sensitivity of the source causing the vibration.

[Averdi]

Originally Posted by Kamp3r

I believe the service of having your wheels balanced hasn't been done rite, or should given the information more specific then a "its fine"... The reason I'm aiming the balancing service rather then possible failed suspension is we'r over diagnosing (or mis-diagnose under are nose in some case).

When ever you come to have your wheels balanced, you want full info of what happening and I mean all, even if you just have new tires mounted. Some shop have upscale balance machine that's more clear look of what causing the vibration.
Many causes can vibrate when it comes to the wheels and it only takes 1. You want to make sure you look and see the information the machine reads when balancing a wheel.
The machine provide in:
- Accurate tire pressure ( making sure both axel ,side to side, front and rear are in specs)
- Measuring the rim for accuracy ( the machine knows your rim's dimensions and the differences of the front and rear if its staggered)
- The important of reading Road force. The higher the number of each wheel, the more you will sense it times-what needed weights in any speed.

And by watching the wheel turning in the machine... you could fine if the inner and outer bead of the tire are not sit onto the rim's lips all the way from mounting it, which is common. Check for out of round movement, the abnormal wear of cuppings as-well.

So what I'm saying you want more then hearing a guy said to you on wheel balance "its ALL GOOD SON!"

And yes when install in new suspensions, they are more stiffed to original ride quality or more, That will causes more sensitivity of the source causing the vibration.

Thanks for the comment. I actually have a buddy that works on the side and re balanced them and it still occurred. They've been balanced a few times since the vibrations. I think it's a suspension component

[-June-]

- cool no problem,
I'll be more then happy to discuss the suspension. which means your going to need a lot of moving the fronts wheels around and see around for any wear out bushing. pics will be nice. And I'm sorry i get too technical im all about helping in hand all the way in diagnosing.

[gds52]

Do u have BMW factory wheels or aftermarket?
Aftermarket wheels with diff offset makes steering wheel shimmer.
When I got my after market wheels, there was steering shaking at 40-50mph.
I was guided by a guy to get better thrust arms, eventually I upgraded to M3 lower/upper control arms complete assembly. I forgot the cost, it was around 260 or 360 something.
M3 arms changes the steering response as well, it feels v good and the shaking went away.

[Averdi]

Originally Posted by gds52

Do u have BMW factory wheels or aftermarket?
Aftermarket wheels with diff offset makes steering wheel shimmer.
When I got my after market wheels, there was steering shaking at 40-50mph.
I was guided by a guy to get better thrust arms, eventually I upgraded to M3 lower/upper control arms complete assembly. I forgot the cost, it was around 260 or 360 something.
M3 arms changes the steering response as well, it feels v good and the shaking went away.

This problem was both with my stock wheels and aftermarket wheels. Just did control arms and it still occurs. Just ordered thrust arms

[nopressurefuelpump]

Please let us know how it goes with the thrust arms. I'm dealing with the same issue. Brand new tires, balanced 3 times, with spacers, without spacers, it is still there. Alignment is good. I'm thinking thrust arms as well.

[Nicky92]

Same here as well.

Replaced the tie rod ends, upper and lower control arms, struts.

Vibration is still there

[Averdi]

Originally Posted by Nicky92

Same here as well.

Replaced the tie rod ends, upper and lower control arms, struts.

Vibration is still there

That's what I'm scared of. What else could it be??

[shibikot]

Originally Posted by Nicky92

Same here as well.

Replaced the tie rod ends, upper and lower control arms, struts.

Vibration is still there

Also replaced tie rod assemblies on both sides, tension struts and wishbones (both control arms), Roadforce balance including 1 brand new OEM rim (old one was said to be bent), new front tires, and still no luck with eliminating the steering wheel shake.
The car does not seem to vibrate "in the seat" at highway speeds, and the brake pedal does not pulsate when braking. But I still get the shake at speeds around 40-60 mph, and a very noticeable shake in the steering wheel when braking from highway speeds.
At a loss what to replace now, i'm thinking its either the rotors again, or a poorly done roadforce balance. Rotors were replaced about 40k miles ago.

[Averdi]

Originally Posted by shibikot

Also replaced tie rod assemblies on both sides, tension struts and wishbones (both control arms), Roadforce balance including 1 brand new OEM rim (old one was said to be bent), new front tires, and still no luck with eliminating the steering wheel shake.
The car does not seem to vibrate "in the seat" at highway speeds, and the brake pedal does not pulsate when braking. But I still get the shake at speeds around 40-60 mph, and a very noticeable shake in the steering wheel when braking from highway speeds.
At a loss what to replace now, i'm thinking its either the rotors again, or a poorly done roadforce balance. Rotors were replaced about 40k miles ago.

That's what I'm really scared about! What else could it be?? Can shops tell what it'll be? They told me it was the control arms so I replaced them and it got worse. Now he says he's positive that it's the thrust arms so I'm now replacing them

[MadeInPhilly]

I just installed the m3 control and thrust arm kit in the front. Still have shuttering after 60mph. I also have Style 95 wheels. I got an alignment and the tires checked for balancing but the shuttering is still there. Annoying. Next step is to try road balancing or just throwing on my 18" stock wheels to see if its the wheel/tires themselves.

[Averdi]

Originally Posted by MadeInPhilly

I just installed the m3 control and thrust arm kit in the front. Still have shuttering after 60mph. I also have Style 95 wheels. I got an alignment and the tires checked for balancing but the shuttering is still there. Annoying. Next step is to try road balancing or just throwing on my 18" stock wheels to see if its the wheel/tires themselves.

Good option. Maybe you have a bend because idk what else it could possibly be

[AWDBooSTIn90]

I had the same issue on a different car. Not a BMW. Ended up being the rotors. They must of been rubbing the pads as the spun unevenly and created a pulsing vibration feel.

I was surprised when that fixed it. Car also drive smoother. Also a bad caliper can do the same in reverse to a somewhat out-of-round rotor.

But obviously you must first check:

Wheel balancing
Tire hop/wobble
Suspension bushings
Worn out suspension parts
Alignment

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by Averdi

That's what I'm really scared about! What else could it be?? Can shops tell what it'll be? They told me it was the control arms so I replaced them and it got worse. Now he says he's positive that it's the thrust arms so I'm now replacing them

Fixing some suspension parts can have the effect of making the other worn out parts more noticeable. Most of the time these types of vibrations you describe come from the thrust arms or control arms, especially at a higher mileage. At the very least, you'll have refreshed control arms so that's something you won't need to worry about for another 60k miles.

Other things that can cause vibrations are tires, or if the wheels are bent. Bent wheels are a lot rarer, and you generally know when you've bent a wheel; it'll be a pothole you don't forget! Bent wheel repair is fairly cheap, though. Usually you can get a sweet full refinish deal out of it and have nice shiny new rims.

I would trust what your mechanic suggests. He can see the car, whereas I can only go with what has worked for me on past BMWs in similar situations.