Car shaking really badly

[ESP]

I have a very similar issue right now and have narrowed it down to the drivers side tie rod end.

Only other noticeable issue that I am experiencing is when in reverse and turning the wheel, feels like one wheel is turning and the other is not (only slightly) like alignment is way off, again I have determined due to the tie rod end.

[KingCon]

Originally Posted by weasel56

When there is excessive slack in the thrust rod bushings it can accentuate the shake caused by the wheel balance and/or road conditions. If you're driving at about 10-20 mph and apply the brakes, do you feel a "bump"? Or feel the extra bump, loose suspension feel when going up a curb?

No problems when I brake or when going over bumps. The vibrating happens when I accelerate around 80 mps. It as soon as I let off the gas it stops. It really feels like it's coming from beneath the front seats. I have no problems turning, and the shaking dosn't feel like it's coming from the steering wheel. Also, when I'm idle the car has a a much smaller vibration to it, but it dosn't seem normal to me.

[cheekyfish]

Possible frozen caliper? Would cause vibration as it heats up.

[KingCon]

Originally Posted by cheekyfish

Possible frozen caliper? Would cause vibration as it heats up.

I don't think so, the problem is when I accelerate at higher speeds.

[Weasel]

Maybe isolate the running gear by putting it in manual mode and holding it in a different gear to see if the engine RPM has any affect on it, or if it is just due to high speed accelloration. Also, how are the tires wearing... any abnormal cupping or stepping of the tread?

If all else fails, you could always bring it to either the dealer or an independent shop that specializes in BMW for diagnosis. I would just make sure it is somewhere that is very familiar with the suspension setup of the BMW's and has plenty of experience.

[pvoltti]

Originally Posted by KingCon

No problems when I brake or when going over bumps. The vibrating happens when I accelerate around 80 mps. It as soon as I let off the gas it stops. It really feels like it's coming from beneath the front seats. I have no problems turning, and the shaking dosn't feel like it's coming from the steering wheel. Also, when I'm idle the car has a a much smaller vibration to it, but it dosn't seem normal to me.

Well. Basically it could be anything causing the vibrations. I would start checking the tires by changing another set of tires to your X5. Then I would continue by checking the wheel alignments. Then possibly transmission.

I had last spring a bad set of brand new tires in my X5. It made the vehicle very difficult to drive. However, after suffering of 3 months, Continental service manager drove my car and he immediatly proposed that the tires need to be changed to a new set by the cost of Continental. That fixed the problem.

My old tires were sent to Germany and there tires were analyzed by a team of engineers. Then the tires were sliced into pieces. Finally they were crushed into small pieces for a chemical analysis. Total cost for Continental 35 k$. And 10 points for a good customer service.

[KingCon]

Thanks for all the advise. I'm going to start with some fuel treatment, then onto more expensive options. I will keep you posted on the progress.

[KingCon]

Here's what I've noticed....

1. front drivers side disc heats up more than left side.
2. The steering wheel shakes, and it also seems to be a dragging feeling coming from that wheel.
3. The car pulls to the right.
4. When the brakes are applied, the front right squeaks constantly.

I had the CV boots changed 3K miles ago as well as the front brakes and rotors. I asked if the calipers were damaged and needed to be rebuilt. I was told they were fine.

I think that I have a frozen caliper, anyone know the approximate amount this will cost me?

Thanks.

[flyingmachine]

Originally Posted by KingCon

Here's what I've noticed....

1. front drivers side disc heats up more than left side.
2. The steering wheel shakes, and it also seems to be a dragging feeling coming from that wheel.
3. The car pulls to the right.
4. When the brakes are applied, the front right squeaks constantly.

I had the CV boots changed 3K miles ago as well as the front brakes and rotors. I asked if the calipers were damaged and needed to be rebuilt. I was told they were fine.

I think that I have a frozen caliper, anyone know the approximate amount this will cost me?

Thanks.

If you're sure one side rotor is way hotter than another side, you can confirm the caplier is seized. I would try to rebuild it first. the rebuild kit is less than $20 and it's not that hard. inspect the piston during the rebuild process. if they're heavily rusted, you will need a new caliper.

[KingCon]

Originally Posted by flyingmachine

If you're sure one side rotor is way hotter than another side, you can confirm the caplier is seized. I would try to rebuild it first. the rebuild kit is less than $20 and it's not that hard. inspect the piston during the rebuild process. if they're heavily rusted, you will need a new caliper.

I'd like to rebuild it myself, but I've got very little in the tools department. I'm going to order the kit and take it to my local indie shop for a quote.

Thanks