Steering Wheel Vibration

[Bix]

Hi Fellas,I'd figure that there are many experts here than there are good mechanics out there who has vast amount of knowledge in regards to Bimmers, and so I thought of seeking some advice and help from your good self.I drove my mother's E38 728i this morning and experienced a mild vibration as I approached a speed of 90KM. I first thought that it might have something to do with the arm-bush but brushed aside this particular factor because the vibration for arm-bush would be a little more aggressive than this one, as I've had my experience with lower arm-bush with my car, E46 330Ci earlier this year. Another reason for me to disregard the fact that it's arm-bush because it didn't make any rattling sound like it did for my car as the lower arm-bush was loose from the other compartments that it was supposed to be fixed to. It was quiet as usual but it just vibrated.However, I might be wrong. I tried to send it to the garage but they were packed with cars and they were honest enough to tell me that they couldn't attend my car today. Appreciate that.The reason for me to write this is to ask if anyone has had this kind of experience and what could it be? I know that there are many factors pertaining to this problem but it would be good to have a list of the factors rather than not knowing anything at all. Please share with me your knowledge and experience in regard to this problem. Thank you in advance. Cheerio... Bix

 

[jarance]

Vibration at steering are usually cause by:-

1. Wheel balancing
2. Tyres uneven wear.
3. Tyre Under/over inflated
4. Worn control arm bushing
5. Worn absorber mounting
6. Absorber not working
7. wheel bearing worn out
8. Engine mounting worn out.

Most likely case is wheel balancing especially when the vibration amplitude changes at different speed.

 

[chaiks]

I would ask myself, when is the last time its sent for wheel balancing and alignment. It could be tyre flat spot also. Always work from the source up, in this case, the tyre on the road.

My 2 cents, before moving arm to suspension & so on. As you say, it could be lotsa reason.

 

[Bix]

Thanks for the replies. As Jarance had listed the possible causes, I would have to cancel out on #1, 2 & 3 cos I've had it sent to the tyre shop and everything is fine with the wheels.

Did the wheel balancing, alignment, checked all the tyres and they said that it's all good. They weren't quite sure about the arms though. Have to go to another garage for that. I will keep in mind for #4 - 8.

It's very helpful. Thank you to both.

Bix

 

[BlackCat]

Bro Bix...

Check the mountings too, esp if the car has aged...


BlackCat

 

[jarance]

Thanks for the replies. As Jarance had listed the possible causes, I would have to cancel out on #1, 2 & 3 cos I've had it sent to the tyre shop and everything is fine with the wheels.

Did the wheel balancing, alignment, checked all the tyres and they said that it's all good. They weren't quite sure about the arms though. Have to go to another garage for that. I will keep in mind for #4 - 8.

It's very helpful. Thank you to both.

Bix

Actually, for my E36, I also have vibration at the steering wheel. Did the off wheel balancing but the vibration is still there. Finally did on wheel balancing, the vibration was reduced. Still not happy, I took my car back and ask them to recheck. They did the on wheel balancing and then only then the vibration disappered. The shop did not charged me for the second time that I did the on wheel balancing.

Try to do the on wheel balancing first before looking at more expensive solution or fault.

 

[BlackCat]

Actually, for my E36, I also have vibration at the steering wheel. Did the off wheel balancing but the vibration is still there. Finally did on wheel balancing, the vibration was reduced. Still not happy, I took my car back and ask them to recheck. They did the on wheel balancing and then only then the vibration disappered. The shop did not charged me for the second time that I did the on wheel balancing.

Try to do the on wheel balancing first before looking at more expensive solution or fault.

Good idea there jarance...


BlackCat

 

[Abe Jak]

easy maaa...turn off the vibration mode..change to general mode..heheheheh..or....silent mode!!!prob solved..

 

[Bix]

Actually, for my E36, I also have vibration at the steering wheel. Did the off wheel balancing but the vibration is still there. Finally did on wheel balancing, the vibration was reduced. Still not happy, I took my car back and ask them to recheck. They did the on wheel balancing and then only then the vibration disappered. The shop did not charged me for the second time that I did the on wheel balancing.

Try to do the on wheel balancing first before looking at more expensive solution or fault.

I agree with BlackCat - Well said. That's a brilliant thought. Will definitely try that and see the result before looking out at the complicated ones.

BJM7978 - Hhahahah... If I turn to silent mode, then the vibration will be turned on automatically. So, How? ;-)

Appreciate it. Cheerio...

 

[Abe Jak]

heheheheh...never ever use the 'vibrator'..ahaksss...

 

[jarance]

heheheheh...never ever use the 'vibrator'..ahaksss...

you should try it sometime... really bring spice to your life..:rock:

 

[Abe Jak]

you should try it sometime... really bring spice to your life..:rock:

original better...OEM....ahaaaa...