minor front end "thumping" at around 40mph

[kevinkay]

any clues on what to look for?
recent new shocks, new tires (and balance).

almosts sounds like a balance issue, hoping its not a bearing issue (they were replace 25k miles ago). Control arm bushings replace about 75k ago.

Methodic "thumping" between 35-45 mph, not heard speeds below or above.

THANKS!

[DBIII]

Not to thread jack, but I have the same thing around 80-85 mph. It's only on the passenger front and now has worn the outside of the tire. I'm thinking control arm bushing, but want some opinions or similar experiances. Any help would be greatly appreciated by the both of us I'm sure! Should I just rebuild everything on that side? How tough it it for someone fairly competant with tools? Thanks ya'll, I always come here for help and info when working on my X!

Dan

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by kevinkay

any clues on what to look for?
recent new shocks, new tires (and balance).

almosts sounds like a balance issue, hoping its not a bearing issue (they were replace 25k miles ago). Control arm bushings replace about 75k ago.

Methodic "thumping" between 35-45 mph, not heard speeds below or above.

THANKS!

What kind/size of tires? Were they balanced on a roadforce machine or a normal balance machine? Can you feel the thumping at all in the steering wheel or in the bottom of your seat? Do you have aftermarket wheels? How many miles on the X? What other suspension components were done & when?

The more info you can provide us with the easier/faster we can hopefully get an answer to you...otherwise it's kind of like a shot in the dark.

[kevinkay]

thanks,
150k miles, 3.0l
Michelin Latitude 235/65R17 ( wanted factory Energy MXV4 - dealer said they are discontinuing Energy said the latitude are comprable - they are fine except about .5 less mpg). Balanced on standard "tire shop" machine. Weights were hammered on inside of rim edge rather than the stick on weights (I like the hammer on better, have lost some of the stick on's in the past)
standard rims
shocks very recent replace, control arm replaced 75k miles ago.
More of vibration "sound" thump than a "feel" thump

Got me thinking.....they didn't pull off any of the old stick on weights, just added what was needed. Going through a tough winter, extreme cold could have kicked off some of the stick on weights???

[kevinkay]

thanks,
150k miles, 3.0l
Michelin Latitude 235/65R17 ( wanted factory Energy MXV4 - dealer said they are discontinuing Energy said the latitude are comprable - they are fine except about .5 less mpg). Balanced on standard "tire shop" machine. Weights were hammered on inside of rim edge rather than the stick on weights (I like the hammer on better, have lost some of the stick on's in the past)
standard rims
shocks very recent replace, control arm replaced 75k miles ago.
More of vibration "sound" thump than a "feel" thump

Got me thinking.....they didn't pull off any of the old stick on weights, just added what was needed. Going through a tough winter, extreme cold could have kicked off some of the stick on weights???

[mam4.6]

This sounds simple, but happened to me. Won't be a problem if you have a garage for your X. If you happen to park in deep snow, the snow coming in contact with hot rotors will melt and then freeze onto your rim somewhere. Depending how much ice gets formed you get varying amounts of vibration. Just something to check if your truck sits outside. A pressure washer with hot water will take care of it.

[kevinkay]

no garage,
I will check it out, THANKS

[racingbmwm3]

If they didn't remove the old weights, I'd also get those removed and rebalanced. While they are rebalancing, have them do a quick runout measurement (or at least eyeball it while spinning) to look for a bent wheel. Bent rims show up at that speed. Wheel balance issues typically show up around 55-60mph. A tire defect is also possible (although not likely with Michelins) and worth getting checked out as a possible tire warranty issue. The snow/ice is a possibility as well, although I've always noticed that to shake the entire car...