Front End Shudder - Part II

[jac]

Ok, just finished replacing both sway bar link ends and the shakes remain. To add insult to injury, the link ends I removed appeared to be just fine.

However, the car has 120K miles on it, so chances are the original ones did not have much life left... I am surprised though, that they were in such good shape, given that some folks on this forum pretty much claim that these should be regularly replaced. Go figure.

The good thing is that while doing the repair I inspected the control arms and it looks like one of the bushings is cracked. Sigh... I should have not trusted the mechanics that told me the bushings were in good condition. This is one more reason to do things yourself if you want them done correctly.

Control arms are next...

[X5Tanya]

Originally Posted by jac

Ok, just finished replacing both sway bar link ends and the shakes remain. To add insult to injury, the link ends I removed appeared to be just fine.

However, the car has 120K miles on it, so chances are the original ones did not have much life left... I am surprised though, that they were in such good shape, given that some folks on this forum pretty much claim that these should be regularly replaced. Go figure.

The good thing is that while doing the repair I inspected the control arms and it looks like one of the bushings is cracked. Sigh... I should have not trusted the mechanics that told me the bushings were in good condition. This is one more reason to do things yourself if you want them done correctly.

Control arms are next...

I also have the same problem with my 01X5- When you say control arm, do you mean the lower arm or the thrust arm- the one that goes forward at an angle(caster)??

[Tags]

Did anyone ever find the solution to this. My 01 X5 has the shudder when i brake at higher speeds. Based on what i've read it seems to be the control arms. am i right?

[X5Tanya]

I put the thrust arm bushings in and it made no difference at all- still have the shudder when braking from highway speeds and a thud noise when braking quickly at low speeds- maybe the arm itself at the ball joint is to blame?? Anyone know for sure??

[ncsucarjock]

Same issues as the above...still haven't solved it. Mildly annoying...but it's been present since 30k, and I've not found the fix yet. Replaced most of the front end thus far. Slight vibration when braking from high speed at low/moderate pedal pressure. Everywhere else is smooth.

[Tags]

Originally Posted by ncsucarjock

Same issues as the above...still haven't solved it. Mildly annoying...but it's been present since 30k, and I've not found the fix yet. Replaced most of the front end thus far. Slight vibration when braking from high speed at low/moderate pedal pressure. Everywhere else is smooth.

yep thats exactly what i experience. This must be one of the only problems identified on this forum that remains unsolved

[jst2878]

Change control and tension arm if needed. Don't tighten the bushings or swaybar bushings bolts until x is on it's tires. Preloading is a must.

[dpgx5]

I have a shake too at 100km, wheels balanced road force. I went to look at my rear brakes and the PS caliper (after removing the clip) I was able to move the caliper back n forth about 1/2" felt like it was gonna come right off. DS caliper was snug and hugging the rotor. I think its the brake (rotors or calipers) everything else looks good. Update soon with my findings.

[climber]

I have a right hand drive X 2001 and have similar problem, mine happens at speed from 40 down to 30 and then disappears as the car comes to a halt. Take hands off the steering wheel and the X brakes in a straight line, nothing through the brake pedal.

All my suspension appears to be original i.e. 96K! so as a matter of course I will be changing a few bits as if I haven't got something better to spend my money on. Brake pads and rotors are only 10k old and have no runout.

Not expecting much for the hard work that will be put in but you need to do the work just so I can eliminate.

[Tags]

according to my service advisor its the castor bushes. He recommends replacing these every 18 months. Apparently in the e53 they arent very strong considering how much the car weighs.