E36 Steering Vibration/Wobble

[GeorgeUK]

OK guys, going home this w/e to spend some quality time with Kate2.

While there (as well as giving her a good wash and much love) I'm wanting to jack her up and see what the deal is...

As mentioned in the title - i'm having (and have been for quite a while) vibration in the steering wheel.

It occurs at any speed really and is not related to braking. It used to occur on the old wheels as well as the Alpinas, as such I suppose it must be a suspension issue rather than a wheel issue.

Having done a little research on this area, it has been suggested that problem may be the front lower controls arms, and in particular the bushes.

Would this be correct?

Unfortunately I'm unaware as what to look out for in order to ascertain that the above is indeed the case.

So essentially 2 Qs...

1) What could cause the vibration as described above?
2) What/How can I check under the car to confirm the proposed cause?

All help appreciated. :)

[peppernick]

Probably not the usual lower front rear control arm bushes, but maybe the outer lower arm ball joint/joints. The latter is more likely to give vibrations as described. However, I would rebalance the wheels first to take the most obvious cause out of the way, then look at the bushes.

You need to jack the front of the car up until the wheel is off the ground. Rock the wheel towrad the caentre of the car and towards you. There should be no play.

[ian_79a]

I had a similar problem on my E46 turned out to be a sticky caliper, i know you said its not your brakes but its easy to check just jack the car up and rotate the wheel it should turn freely, mine would come and go and happend at different speeds

[Saggers]

Could be calipers, discs, wheels unbalanced, tyre pressures low, top mounts, ball joints, bushes, tracking!! It's a nightmare! I am having the same probs with mine. At any speed it pulls and vibrates slightly. Balanced, checked pressures, tryed to get it tracked (2 low! :D ), had ball joints done, going to look at the other bits soon. It's worth getting someone to do the checks on everything tho!

[m3cslboy]

I had the same problem on my E36 Evo .

In the end it turned out that one of the wheels was running on threads ! ! ie not balanced or tracked !

I was lucky , i hope you get it sorted mate, you could try e36coupe.co.uk for answers.

[GeorgeUK]

Thanks for the advice guys, will give it a look see this w/e.

Nick, the out lower arm ball joints...easy to replace? I think I remember someone saying it is worth getting (and replacing) the whole arm with the joint attached. Is this true?

[peppernick]

No experience with the E36, but for the E46, if your outer ball joint is gone, you need the change the entire arm.

[GeorgeUK]

No experience with the E36, but for the E46, if your outer ball joint is gone, you need the change the entire arm.

Is that expensive? :confused:

I found a couple of useful links. Seems as though it could be either the lower control arm (rear?) bushes or the outer ball joints.

Is it relatively easy to change these or is this more of an indy jobbie?

[Saggers]

Ball joint on the E36 are easy enough, need to be pressed in tho! So you will need a good tool!

[318:(]

have you checked your track rod ends?

[adood84]

you could check for part numbers here www.realoem.com

[GeorgeUK]

I'll have a look 2moro guys.

Car needs an inspection 2 as well, might get them to change whatever is required at the time...

Anyone able to recommend any goods indys in the north london/herts area?

[Saggers]

If you pm me i have a great guy in Edmonton?

[GeorgeUK]

Had a look today, appeared to me that the suspension is in fine condition.

Have however ascertained the cause of the prob...the front right Alpina. While the car was jacked up, a few spins showed it not to be running exactly true, looks as though the wheel is not exactly straight. :( To confirm I stuck on the spare, took it for a spin, no vibration whatsoever.

Question is, can a slightly bent wheel be straightened?

[318:(]

I think if were talking about a warped wheel its looks doubtful or very expensive!

Can u get a replacement?

[GeorgeUK]

Replacements are no doubt crazy expensive! :mad: :(

Moreover I forgot to mention...looking at the back of the wheel, on the tyre are two little bumps on the sidewall, perhaps 1.5cm in diameter. Not sure what they have resulted from...

I assume these could be internal damage to the tyre?

Are they safe to drive on?

Any suggestions?

[InvIs Inc]

dude if there is bumps on ur side wall best not drive with that tyre on the car. :( :(

[GeorgeUK]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/g3org3y/Kate2/Img_0990a.jpg

:eek: :( [thumbsdow