e39 Steering "Shimmy" at 80-120km/h

[affan66]

Folks, I have this problem. Steering shimmy or wobbly at 80-120km/h. Yes. This is the famous E39 problem and I have had this for a few months already. Searched on the Net and here and had done the following: 1. Changed brake discs (front and back) and pads2. Off/On-wheel balancing and alignment (Batu Caves, Manji, Loke Yew shop) both front and rear tires3. Change rims!!!!! 4. Check for hub space - a few already said no need to put hubcentric cone5. Bearing - no problem6. Change front lower arm bush7. Adjust tyres around rim (positioning) Did not change tyres because they are new and don't have any bulges. I am using CSC3s. Based on research, there could be one more thing I need to do which is to change the thrust arms. These are still quite new (less than 2 years old) and show no signs of leaks or worn bushings. Any suggestions from the sifus here?

 

[Herbert]

You have almost changed everything linking to suspension other than absorber.....my e39 525 have slight steering vibration at that speed. yr e39 which model??

 

[affan66]

525 M-sport. This never happened before. Noticed it when I changed to CSC3s. Inspected it but don't see any defects.

For the record, absorbers are only about 2 years old. All suspension components including subframe bushings have been changed in the past 2 years.

 

[kevster30]

Affan,

Check your steering coupling and coupling bush. If ok, check the bushes in the steering shaft(not rack).

Also look into the tie-rods. Had the problem same on my ride. They looked absolutely fine but I had changed everything else finally said what the heck, it was the culprit.

 

[bmw7833]

I had this problem last three years, but problem totally solved after i changed the rims and tyres.

My suggestion, try to use another set of tyres.

 

[wc9922]

get your wheels rebalanced 1st. maybe by another shop or diff machine.

 

[kevster30]

get your wheels rebalanced 1st. maybe by another shop or diff machine.

If you read closely, he has done all that.

 

[Herbert]

525 M-sport. This never happened before. Noticed it when I changed to CSC3s. Inspected it but don't see any defects.
.

Many yrs ago, I purchased a set of Dunlop tires. Vibration at speed 80 to 100km. Tire shops could not rectified it and finally was referred to Dunlop factory at PJ. Upon some comprehensive testing .they found one of the tires out of specifications.

I guess it could be yr CSC3s tires since you never had this problem before.

 

[affan66]

wc, 3 shops already I went. Even Manji can't solve it.

I had these tyres for more than 6 months already.

Kev, will check on the tie rods. Steering shaft coupling changed early this year. Steering rack CV and joints replaced 3 months ago.

I will do these first as changing tyres mean a hefty investment. The CSC3 cost me close to RM900++ a piece about 6 months ago. Might have to downgrade to cheaper ones la like this...

thanks all for the advice.

 

[affan66]

Update:
went to consistent distinction today. Swapped with 16", did on-wheel/off-wheel balancing a few times.
Suspension components look good except for one: absorbers.
My left sachs advantage front abs seem to be harder than the right. It's likely jammed. Darn. Hard to find la these buggers. And I've only used it for two years

 

[champion]

I too currently experienced the same symptom but mine happen from 120km to 130km. Previously on 16 inch already felt it, changed to 18" still the same. Did balancing, problem persists. Will try as what kevster advice. Tks

 

[kevster30]

Update:
went to consistent distinction today. Swapped with 16", did on-wheel/off-wheel balancing a few times.
Suspension components look good except for one: absorbers.
My left sachs advantage front abs seem to be harder than the right. It's likely jammed. Darn. Hard to find la these buggers. And I've only used it for two years

Singa-land ada la the Sachs Advantage.....

On the note of tyres, try Michelin PP2 next round. Cheaper and formula for the rubber oledi tropicalised.

 

[Vroom325]

Ya, I heard about comment of Conti tyres like that before, not sure how true.

Really PP2 is value for money, I used before.:top: Just wondering how's the Eagle F1 assymetric compare with PP2, they cost almost the same...

 

[affan66]

went there before. Emailed them Sachs SG. Said no stock. Found one shop in Kayu Ara. But, change every 2 years? mampuih la like this...

Was on stones before.. and before than PP2.... before than F1 GSD3 (germany).... this mich I will change maybe early next year la.... sob sob

 

[kevster30]

Affan,

Sachs sucks....they have always had reliability issues that's why I stick to Bilsteins.

Tyre tip: imported tyres not always the best as the formulation of the rubber sometimes kenot cope with our tropical temperatures.

 

[Herbert]

Guys,

I rectified my 80 to 100km steering vibrate problem. The stabilizer rods were replaced with original and steering won't vibrate anymore from 80 till 180km.

 

[initialM]

Affan,

U practically changed almost everything & if the problem still persists it must be the driver itchy ler.
My advice is to change car hehehehe:listen:

 

[affan66]

knock on the head!!!!
Will check on the stabiliser rods....

thanks all for the advice.. will update once problem disappers... and I hope, very SOON!!

 

[champion]

FYI - Stabilizer rod selling for RM1300++ at BA.

 

[bmw7833]

FYI - Stabilizer rod selling for RM1300++ at BA.