Hi:
I am new to this forum, but not to cars. I have an 01 325 ci, 5 speed. Here is my problem:

I am getting a violent vibration when raking (worse at higher speeds).

Originally I thought it was the rotors. So I replaced all 4 rotors (and pads) and yelled at my wife for warping them. Problem solved for two weeks. Then the vibration came right back.

So, again, I replaced all four rotors (with the original rotors turned) and laughed at my wife for being the rotor-warping queen of New England. Problem solved, again for about two weeks. Then came right back.

So, I sought "professional" help. Hired a mechanic who found that the lower ball joints and control arms were shot (I replaced them only 20K miles ago). Got an alignment... (appologized to my wife) and all set for two-three weeks. Then it came right back.

Now I dont know what to do. Seems like every time I take the tires off, the vibration goes away for a couple weeks. I drives real smooth except when braking. Any thoughts?

Chris
01 325
00 Lightning
79 Vette

I just got a 2001 330ci 77K mi. and I am having the same problems when braking... bad wobble

I just wanted to chime in so I could keep up with this post.

How are your tires? (on my old Mercedes, I had one bad tire that only caused a vibration during low-speed braking).

Are you certain you're torquing all the lug bolts properly? (on my old MR2, improperly torqued lug bolts will warp the rotors)

If it happens when braking your rotors are warp. While driving, it's either the lca or in the wheels in itself. Possible wheels need to be balanced or a bent wheel.

Tires and wheels are pretty new... and they are only 16"- so I dont think they are warped. Besides, if it were the tires/wheels, they would vibrate at certain speeds, and would not vibrate at any speed when braking. Nonetheless, I will put on my other set of wheels tonight and see if that solves the problem.

I would agree as to thought re: the rotors, however, I have replaced them now three times (they were turned when the control arms were replaced) and I just can't imagine my wife (who drives the car like a granny) has warped them three time within two months.

Any other thoughts besides rotors/wheels?

Thanks

Tires and wheels are pretty new... and they are only 16"- so I dont think they are warped. Besides, if it were the tires/wheels, they would vibrate at certain speeds, and would not vibrate at any speed when braking. Nonetheless, I will put on my other set of wheels tonight and see if that solves the problem.

I would agree as to thought re: the rotors, however, I have replaced them now three times (they were turned when the control arms were replaced) and I just can't imagine my wife (who drives the car like a granny) has warped them three time within two months.

Any other thoughts besides rotors/wheels?

Thanks

Sometimes turning rotors are more prone to warpage than replacing. Also making sure the bolts for the wheels are torqued to specs. It's not about making sure they are tight, but making all the bolts and wheel evenly tight.


If those are a seemingly possibility perhaps your tie rod's need replacement.

You've tried NEW rotors as well as turned rotors?

I think BMW says not to turn the rotors, just replace them at the same time as the pads The rotors are soft, turning them makes them very thin so they are more prone to warping.

I saw you replaced the ball joints, what about the CA bushing? That can cause the wheel to wobble if it's worn. My car did the same thing but not as bad as your describing. Go grab your front wheels and shake them back and forth. I could actually see the CA move back and forth in the bushing. Worth a shot.

good thought re: the CA bushing, however, that was replaced as well.

At least I feel like I did not miss something obvious. I am starting to think the hub itself may have a run. I might start there, and replace the rotors (yet again) as well.

It sounds like the ABS may be doing something weird.

The only other things you haven't done are calipers and axles. Because it's not constant I think ABS is the problem.

If it were the rotors , wouldnt you feel it in the pedal as you apply the brake????

In the case of my 01', I only feel the vibration as I am slowing down , mostly in the steering wheel.

wheels are out of balence and/or it your thrust arms/bearings that are worn

is it under accel or is it at a constant speed. I know I have had to put hub centering rings on my car control arm bushings. and then I cam to find out my center support bearing was 90% gone and it shredded my new guibos in less than 10000 miles.

Only happens when braking and it is not speed specific - so I dont think it is tire/wheels. I am leaning towards hubs.

Wheel bearings.