Front End Shudder - Part II

[Tags]

well............. the saga continues. Apparently all my suspension components are fine. The movement or play that i was originally told was present turned out to be nothing more than the usual movement experienced when leavering with a steel bar.

After a number of test drives the service dept think they can feel it slightly at all speeds but its just more obvious when applying light braking at higher speeds. They told me that when they were doing about 20kmh and lightly applying the brakes they could feel the shake but given the low speed the wheel would shake side to side a lot slower which lead them to beleive there was a warp in one of my brake discs.

so the discs are being taken off and if possible they'll skim them otherwise i'll need them replaced.

I'll update tomorrow

[ncsucarjock]

I replaced all suspension components first (at 70k). Still wound up needing new discs. It's smooth as butter now... and tomorrow it gets new tie rods (outer and inner) to fix some play there (and a clunk - but not a vibration).

[Weasel]

Doesn't any shop know how to use a simple dial indicator to check for warped rotors anymore?

And Tags, next time you're due for those bushings to be replaced give the Meyle HD bushings a try. They are the same design as OEM but solid rubber instead of fluid filled so it should last much longer and offer a slightly more sporty feel without being too rough.

[Tags]

Thanks Weasel, i'll make a note. Its due for a service in a few months so i'll get them replaced then.

[Tags]

Update:

The shop skimmed the rotors to try and even them out as best they could. They told me that the discs were bad......soo bad that after the skimming only 50% of the brake pad was touching as a result of the uneven wear bought about by the warper disc. They said to drive it for a few days and bring it back so they can check the wear. I took it back in today and they told me that they werent happy with it and i should really put in new discs and pads. so now im getting new OEM discs and pads fitted and i'll have it back this afternoon.

Oh yeh, the disc skimming fixed about 90% of the shake/shudder upon braking. Hopefully with the new discs and pads it'll be 100% gone.

they gave the option of non OEM discs that were cheaper. I told them to use OEM, am i right in thinking thats the best option?

cheers

[ncsucarjock]

I use Brembo rotors on everything. They're probably who makes OEM stuff, but without the BMW label attached. But they're of excellent quality, and I've never had an issue with one. I've used about every other brand out there, and have been disappointed with most of them. I also really like EBC green stuff or red stuff pads. I drive hard, and I've found these pads don't dust as much, and they perform better than OEM. But...they're nothing wrong with OEM pads.

[Tags]

Well...........today i am a happy man. The shudder has completely gone. The car feels new again.

[amacman]

I had a slight shudder at very high speed braking
replaced tension strut ( upper control arm ) bushes and ball joints . no more shudder but still a light initial chatter when gently applying brake at high speed . no chatter if I get on the brake quick .
I think it`s the brake pads chattering .

[switchman]

I had same problem last year after having a flat tire fixed. Shudder only happens high braking, dealer sup gave me long story 'bout Bimmer brake disc having self-healing when minor warping occurs. I figured tire shop overtightened wheel nuts so i back it out and torque to 100. Shudder gone after a couple hundred miles.

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by amacman

I had a slight shudder at very high speed braking
replaced tension strut ( upper control arm ) bushes and ball joints . no more shudder but still a light initial chatter when gently applying brake at high speed . no chatter if I get on the brake quick .
I think it`s the brake pads chattering .

Could be the front lower control arms... That is the cause of my front end shudder. Check the ball joint at the spindle end of the control arm.