Vibration Issues | Very odd
 

Today, X5 (04" w/49K) stood in my driveway for 1 day, I took it on a trip. On the highway, when light braking, the entire wheel shakes and the pedal kind of vibrates. The first thing I thought is: Warped rotors. I was wrong, its not the rotors at all after checking, they are perfect. So then I went to see if it was a balancing problem with the wheels/tires. All tires perfectly balanced, tire pressure perfect and at 80mph she is steady as a rock on the freeway.

So now, I have ruled out the two things that cause vibration in steering wheels and worsen braking. Ive had this problem before when the inside of the rims iced over and the car shook when braking, but that was again from improper balancing and would do it all the time. I am so damn lost. The service tech at a local BMW dealership suggested it was a frozen caliper or piston, but then it would drag which it does not. The caliper may be frozen and not coming down... but I dont understand how this happens overnight. My last idea is that a hardline is broken, but fluid in the master cylinder is full, flushed, and the car stops in a perfect linear motion.

What do the techies think?


Eddie

tension thrust rod bushings.

and you are dead on sure about this huh. Ok I will ask

:iagree: ..Thrust arm bushings..

woohoo :(. Yet another misdiagnosis by the dealership. Ill print this for them.

lower ball joint, had the same problem just got it replaced and drives like new.

Well after much reading on some 5 series boards, the thrust arm bushing or thrust strut is a goner. The symptoms are dead on. Have to wait until the damn 23rd because the dealer has no loaners until then... worthless.

Agree with the guys. Also go to another dealer.

typical bmw bushing issue...have replaced these bushings in all my bimmers many many many times over the years...

What estimates have some of you received for this service?

Should be about 2.8 ~ish labor charge plus alignment if you get one.

Also when the thrust rod bushings wear you can usually feel a bit of a clunk feel when you first apply the brakes, like from about 10 to 20 mph.

Which dealer- Perillo? When I was complaining of the same thing, their shop foreman immediately said thrust rod bushings. Replaced them (goodwill) and still had the problem. Took it back, replaced the bushings a second time and all was well. Apparently one of the replacement bushings was bad.