Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

BMW Steering Vibration

  • 28-12-2009 12:02pm
    #1
    danjo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭


    BMW316i - driving last night at about 80Km. when the steering started to vi brate. Strong burning smell from front wheel on driver's side and the wheel itself was very hot.
    Seems okay this morning on a short drive.
    Anyone got any ideas?
    Thanks

    danjo


Comments

  • #2
    rebel.ranter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,570 ✭✭✭rebel.ranter


    Does the vibration only happen at roughly 80kmph?
    If so it is very likely to be a wheel out of balance.

    Does it stop when you brake or get worse?
    If it gets worse it could be warped discs.

    It could also be worn suspension components too but the most likely is a wheel out of balance. Take it to your local tyre centre & get both front wheels balanced. It is the cheapest check you can do.
    Not sure what the burning smell is tough.


  • #3
    v300
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 356 ✭✭v300


    A seized brake caliper on the affected wheel is the root cause of these complaints.


  • #4
    danjo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭danjo


    rebel.ranter wrote: »
    Does the vibration only happen at roughly 80kmph?
    If so it is very likely to be a wheel out of balance.

    Does it stop when you brake or get worse?
    If it gets worse it could be warped discs.

    It could also be worn suspension components too but the most likely is a wheel out of balance. Take it to your local tyre centre & get both front wheels balanced. It is the cheapest check you can do.
    Not sure what the burning smell is tough.
    It seemed to clear when I braked.


  • #5
    danjo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭danjo


    v300 wrote: »
    A seized brake caliper on the affected wheel is the root cause of these complaints.
    I suspected it had something to do with brakes since it seemed to clear after I braked.


  • #6
    Buford T Justice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,262 ✭✭✭Buford T Justice


    Alternatively, if you had snow inside the wheel rims, this will offset the balance of the car and cause it to rumble. Once it melts / defrosts, problem gone

    Only a suggestion though


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    Captain Slow IRL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,651 ✭✭✭Captain Slow IRL


    Sounds like a seizing caliper - get it to a garage asap.


  • #8
    rebel.ranter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,570 ✭✭✭rebel.ranter


    Yes the burning smell ties in with a seized calliper. Unfortunately this is not going to go away by itself.
    I had a seized calliper on my 3 Series a few years ago, rememberit now. You'll need a new calliper, plus because of the heat you'll also need a pair of new brake discs & a set of pads. Best to change both sides together to reduce braking imbalance later. With the new calliper fitted the brakes will need to be bled.


Advertisement