Vibration Under Braking from >45 mph

spngr311 · #1 03-03-2011, 11:01 AM

All,

I thought I'd share my experience with my wife's 2001 X5. Her X5 was experiencing vibration under braking from speeds greater than 45 mph. It wasn't consistent, but it happened often enough to be of concern. She was due for a brake job, so I changed the rotors and pads. She still had the vibration. I did some searching online and many posts pointed to the front suspension arms (specifically their bushings). Also, the Bentley manual mentions this as the culprit in the section related to the front suspension arms. I ordered the four arms, installed them last weekend, and the vibration under braking completely disappeared. The original arms showed cracks in the bushing on the front tension arms, and the ball joint boots were torn on the control arms. The car is now smooth and solid. Thought I'd put this out there in case people were having similar issues and just wanted a quick answer.

Big "J" · #2 03-03-2011, 12:18 PM

Thanks for the input! This is a common problem with older X5's and there is a DIY posted for thrust and control arm replacement.
On another note... I did experience some "play" and vibration under braking after doing the install. I had to go back and re-torque the bolts for both arms. I think when the bushings started to get a little wear on them it allowed for movement and play. So, wait a week to a month or so, go back and re-torque the bolts, for good measure.

Good job!

spngr311 · #3 03-03-2011, 12:26 PM

Torqueing the thrust arms was annoying. Thanks for the suggestion though. I'll have to check that this weekend.

Jedi · #4 03-06-2011, 07:06 PM

Wow. I am experiencing the SAME EXACT PROBLEM!! I'm glad I'm not just going crazy. I replaced both front rotors and brakes, too. (they needed to be changed, it wasn't just me). I was about to change out the brake fluid (needs to be done, as well).

How much should I expect to pay for parts? (I do labor myself)

Jordo · #5 03-06-2011, 07:19 PM

And can you post pics of the used parts? Would like to see what to look for as I have this same symptom.

///Bruce · #6 03-06-2011, 07:59 PM

If someone were to perform a search, as I have, they would find a ton of kaka on this very topic. I have an 06 4.8is (CPO) with ~70K and she had the same problem. I took it to my favorite stealer and was told that since I had aftermarket cross-drilled rotors and Red Stuff pads that that was was the culprit. What a bunch of crap! So, I purchased a really cheap pair of cross-drilled rotors for the front and the problem continued.

But recently, I took it to another shop that I still trust and they found that the "fluid-filled" control arm bushings were leaking. They were replaced and 85% of the vibration is gone. As an electrical engineer, that's almost within the usual 10% spec...