Steering wheel shakes
 

Has anyone experienced this. When I am coasting around 40-45 mph, my steering wheel shakes left to right (like a vibrating sensation but going left and right). I have never experience this problem before and only at those speed. I recently changed my tires, can it be a balance problem?

Can be a tire problem- did this happen before the tire change? Maybe way out of balance. Also can be brakes- warped rotors from improper tightening of the lugs.

I have the same problem in my prelude..almost like an oscillation, looseness of steering? It's time for new tie-rod ends my friend.

I don't know if I would agree with the tie rods, although I have been down that road myself. As with all new tire changes, I would have an alignment done. The old tires might have pulled it out of alignment just a little but enough for you to feel. If this is the case you will end up killing the new tires quicker. I would start with a check of the balancing, them have a quick inspection of the front end part then an aligment.

Let us know how you make out.

A tire change doesn't call for an alignment...changing non-stabilization suspension parts would..you're not actually changing any part of the alignment when you change tires. Have them check the balancing, they shouldn't charge you again if it was recent.

steering wheel shake
 

Agree with other posts here - check with the most obvious (and cheapest) possible cause first.
I had same problem a few months ago with my winter tire set-up - steering shake at 60-70 mph but rock steady at all other speeds. When I put on my summer 19's the shake disappeared. I brought the winter wheels and had them checked and they needed to be balanced.
If its not wheel balance then there are of course a number of other causes including those listed by the other posters

I agree with Boston X5...sounds like a rebalance may be needed. E53s tend to be sensitive to balance, especially on the plus-size fitments (although not nearly as sensitive as an E39, which can range from maddeningly difficult to nigh impossible to diagnose and cure).

Yeah try getting your tires rebalanced first.

Wheel balance most definitely

I ahve learned from past that it is best to have an alignment with every tire change. I know it is not called for, but it is a good idea for the cost of it. As your tire guy what he thinks. I always have it done with every tire change. Even the same size tires. If it is out by a little bit, it will effect the ride and cause tire wear. Well woth the investment. I do Agree with you though, check the tire balance first, then the rest in the order I suggested as well. I am just suggesting it, not saying it is manditory. :thumbup:

I agree with X5Andrew...it might not be mandatory, but it makes darn good sense to do an alignment with every tire change. Not just any alignment will do; it should be done by a BMW dealer or a BMW specialist who uses the factory alignment specs and weighting procedures. I personally think the $75 or so spent on a good OEM alignment is a better investment than the same amount spent on a tire warranty, IMO.

(But hey, what do I know? I also happen to be one of those mavericks who still rotate tires regularly despite what the manual says...of course, this is the same manual that recommends against changing transmission fluid because BMW uses "lifetime fill" fluid...)

Mike

UPDATE: It was the balance of the tires. The tire guy rotated one of the tires and notice it was off by quite a bit. Not sure how it was like that in the first place, they either did it incorrectly or the weight fell off. In any case it's smooth now and the drive is fantastic again.

I then asked about how alignment plays into steering wheel shaking. He said it really doesn't. Then I pointed at the sign in his shop for customer to read about alignment, and one of the item states: "vibrating or shimmy of the steer wheel" maybe a cause for needing alignment. He smiled and said, it really doesn't. If it still shakes after you balance your tires, we will need to check other lower control arms, bushing, rotors etc. on your car.

tcn2k: Glad to hear that you got it fixed.

Perhaps from a timing (mileage) perspective but certainly not from a cause and effect perspective.

Same thing happened to me when I had winters on, I would be going around 40mph+ and as soon as you tap or hold break, stearing wheel starts shaking like crazy, controlable tho.

Turns out it was the wheels, Summers gave me no problems