Shaking/Vibrating Steering Wheel (Long)

[bmw2805]

Hi All,

I recently purchased an OEM refurbished chrome 20" wheels. I put em on my X5 this weekend. It looked AWESOME, but I have a severely shaking steering wheel at different speeds - 45/65/75. And this occurs only at certain times of driving. I was not able to pick up a pattern it happens randomly. I asked the wheel installer if the wheels were bent, he told me it wasn't. But he also told me the Boot Cover was broken and the grease was leaking in the front driver side. Also incidentally my 'Check brake lines' indicator turned on. My mechanic told me that it was purely coincidental and I needed to change my brake pads.

My questions :

1. If the wheels were bent, will the steering wheel shake all the time or will it happen randomly thus blaming the bent wheel(s).

2. Is the broken boot cover the reason for this shaking ?

3. Is there other reasons that this shaking happens - like control arm, ball joint or axel ?

I did do a search for shaking steering wheels and have a list of possible issue but would like to understand this better. Seems like repair for these is going to cost me $$$$$.

Thanks.

[bmw2805]

Also I guess the rotor could be warped... How do I find this, is it purely visual or is there another technique ???

Thanks.

[JCL]

There are some clues to where it may be coming from, based on when it occurs.

1) A bent wheel is likely to cause a vibation all the time, not speed dependent.

2) The broken CV boot cover is not the cause of the problem, but should be fixed. If it has been broken for a while, then yes, it can be a factor because the parts inside will have worn. Given that the shaking started after the wheel/tire change, I would put this on the list to fix, but not consider it the likely cause.

3) If it is speed-dependent, ie more common at a set speed and then less above that speed, it is related to balance. You need a good dynamic balancer (Hunter, for example) to do this. If the tires can't be balanced (too much weight required) then the shop should rotate the tire on the rim to see if they can match the heavy spot on the rim with the light spot on the tire, thus requiring less weight.

4) If it is set off by a bump or pothole, and sometimes even if it isn't, then you are looking for something loose in the suspension or steering. Several possibilities, all can be checked by a shop. Diagnosing the problem isn't as expensive as fixing it may be. Something that was slightly loose before could be 'set off' by the heavier wheels and tires which may be only slightly out of balance, but sufficiently out to start the vibration.

5) The check brake linings light is not likely to be related. Time for brakes.

6) The rotors could be warped, but I would be looking for a pulsing brake pedal in that case. Usual cause is misuse of an impact gun, overtightening the wheel bolts.

If it was me, I would start with a good dynamic balance, from a shop I trusted. While the truck was there I would have them check the steering and suspension.

Good luck.

[Roc3b]

Did any of this happen before you put the wheels on?

[bmw2805]

Thank you JCL for the detailed reply. I will take it to another shop which is very highly for BMW in Milpitas and have them balance the wheels as per specification. i will also take and copy of these messages to show them.

Roc3B, This happened after I put on the wheels.

I will also have the Boot replaced under extended warranty sooner than later. But first the balancing and then teh CV.

Thanks all. I will keep you updated on my issue.

[JCL]

BMW2805:

You are welcome. You may not want to show them the messages, however. Keep them to yourself, there is nothing here that is specific to this make or model. If they are a highly regarded shop, then they know this stuff.

Nothing wrong at all with an informed consumer, it is the preferred situation. At the same time, you want to let the shop do what they are good at.

[bmw2805]

Yeh I think you are right... If ones gets too nosey then they get too pissy.... And I don't anyone pissed off while working on my baby X5.

Thanks.

[bmw2805]

Thank you all for helping resolve the issue. Iwas bad wheel balancing. I had the wheel balanced at a different shop and no more vibration/shaking.

Thanks.

[chubyball]

bmw2805,

I am curious about your vibration/shaking before you had the wheel balance. Did you only feel it the vibration/shaking when you start apply the foot on the brake?
I hit the curve last few weeks now I am experience the vibration when applying the foot on the brake but not sure what the cause? May need balance, alignment, control arm....etc... It's very much going straight without holding the steering wheel

[bmw2805]

Hi Chubyball

I felt the vibration of the steering wheel at almost all speeds without even applying the brakes. Be it a straight road or while negotiating a curve.

JD.