Someone who does suspension and brakes a proper mechanics. Dealers are generally only after your money and rarely put their best people on our older cars. A local BMW Indie is more likely to do the right thing. Was it serviced at a BMW dealer?
Felix and his wobble! Advice and opinions welcomed :)
- Thread starter Little Lady Katie
- Start date
Ok, the conversation appears to be heading towards brakes, although I still reckon its a thrown weight, due to the fact it happens when not braking - however...
I have recently had a number of issues with brakes on both my Z3's, my A5 and my 911. First of all, if it is a warped disc, these usually first appear as an issue when braking only - the steering wheel will only shake during braking.
Secondly, if it is a sticking caliper then the wheel will be warm (as mentioned on here). Simply putting your hand towards the wheel will sense the heat (trust me don't touch the disc - you only do that once!).
The third option is a breaking down wheel bearing - try driving with the music etc off and the windows down. Whilst on the road roll the car into a left hand turn and then into a right hand turn. if it squeaks (or shakes) one way but not the other then this is very possibly the wheel bearing - I have had this on 3 cars in the last 12 months - On my //M we rebuilt the rear caliper 3 times and we were at the point where the garage even examined the wheel bearing and said it was fine but it was all that remained and I persisted in having it changed and it cured the problem. The same thing has just happened to my 911 so I knew the symptoms
With regards costs etc:
Wheel balancing - £10
New Front caliper - already mentioned (I got mine from euro car parts - although BIGGRED are much cheaper for a refurbished one).
New Discs - if the shaking is present always regardless of speed or direction then it must be very badly warped and you must have felt it previously under braking. (If the issue only requires a replacement caliper then replacing the disc as well is up to you - I replaced mine on my Audi because the edges were very badly corroded, otherwise it would just have been new caliper/pads.) The price for new discs can vary (my A5 was £99 for 2)
New Wheel Bearing - I can't remember how much this was but I seem to think it was around £100-£150 fitted.
FYI - I am in Stalybridge, otherwise I would come round and do it
I have recently had a number of issues with brakes on both my Z3's, my A5 and my 911. First of all, if it is a warped disc, these usually first appear as an issue when braking only - the steering wheel will only shake during braking.
Secondly, if it is a sticking caliper then the wheel will be warm (as mentioned on here). Simply putting your hand towards the wheel will sense the heat (trust me don't touch the disc - you only do that once!).
The third option is a breaking down wheel bearing - try driving with the music etc off and the windows down. Whilst on the road roll the car into a left hand turn and then into a right hand turn. if it squeaks (or shakes) one way but not the other then this is very possibly the wheel bearing - I have had this on 3 cars in the last 12 months - On my //M we rebuilt the rear caliper 3 times and we were at the point where the garage even examined the wheel bearing and said it was fine but it was all that remained and I persisted in having it changed and it cured the problem. The same thing has just happened to my 911 so I knew the symptoms
With regards costs etc:
Wheel balancing - £10
New Front caliper - already mentioned (I got mine from euro car parts - although BIGGRED are much cheaper for a refurbished one).
New Discs - if the shaking is present always regardless of speed or direction then it must be very badly warped and you must have felt it previously under braking. (If the issue only requires a replacement caliper then replacing the disc as well is up to you - I replaced mine on my Audi because the edges were very badly corroded, otherwise it would just have been new caliper/pads.) The price for new discs can vary (my A5 was £99 for 2)
New Wheel Bearing - I can't remember how much this was but I seem to think it was around £100-£150 fitted.
FYI - I am in Stalybridge, otherwise I would come round and do it
Thank you so much. My friend (much more in the know than me - a bmw mechanic!) should be popping over later to come out for a drive with me to see if he can give me some thoughts,and we shall try the turn left and turn right trick and see what sounds, if any, we hear!
Having a company car was so much cheaper (well, free!) and so much less stressful! it's times like this that I do miss it!
I am quite happy to travel if people genuinely have time to spare to help and really don't mind lending a helping hand! @Aceman has been nothing short of fantastic in helping me out in the past and I owe a lot to him! I will always say my way of thanks in way of buying lunch/chocolate/hugs and alcohol!
@Little Lady Katie, I have had the same problem on my Zed and as @GazHyde says 'sticking caliper'. In fact mine was the drivers side as well. I would get that checked first. Best of luck.
Thank you so much. My friend (much more in the know than me - a bmw mechanic!) should be popping over later to come out for a drive with me to see if he can give me some thoughts,and we shall try the turn left and turn right trick and see what sounds, if any, we hear!
Having a company car was so much cheaper (well, free!) and so much less stressful! it's times like this that I do miss it!
I am quite happy to travel if people genuinely have time to spare to help and really don't mind lending a helping hand! @Aceman has been nothing short of fantastic in helping me out in the past and I owe a lot to him! I will always say my way of thanks in way of buying lunch/chocolate/hugs and alcohol!
If the brakes are sticking too much it can cause other issues (eg new clutch - from experience
) so I would come to you... let us know what your friend says and if you need more info on the experiences Ive had over the last 12 months just pm me
If you need three discs changing, would it be false economy not to do all four? Intermittent faults can be difficult to diagnose.
Hi Katie, I'm near Lincoln about 1hr from Hull. I'm happy to help if I can. I changed the o/s/f calliper on Bozzy 's car a while ago. A 15 min Job max.
Tony.
Tony.
Top man Tony
, great to see help being offered on this site.
Z
zedonist
Guest
How about the power steering? Check your power steering fluid, do you have the correct amount of fluid in the reservoir, does the power steering make a noise or knock on full lock. I had a power steering leak on a Volvo , that was intermittent, and made the steering very shaky at times. It's worth ruling out. So check the fluid level if it's full your ok, then try it lock to lock, it it's smooth and not notch you or knocking it's ok...
i am interested in your thoughts here - many cars make a noise on full lock?
Top bloke indeed. Can we turn this Zed shed activity into a spectator sport?Zed shed Midlands Ltd strikes again! Love it! Top bloke @t-tony!
You'd be welcome any time Ian. Day tickets only £12.50 during daylight hours!
Tony.
Tony.
Sounds great value - I love work. Could watch it all dayYou'd be welcome any time Ian. Day tickets only £12.50 during daylight hours!
Tony.
Me too mate! Ha.Ha. There will be some activity over the next few weeks, wheels to fit including brakes to paint while it's up on stands, boot spoiler to paint and fit, some wiring to fit and tidy up for dash cam and H.U.D.
Under bonnet cleaning to do. Wind blocker clear panel to make and fit.
Tony.
Under bonnet cleaning to do. Wind blocker clear panel to make and fit.
Tony.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2012
- Points
- 100
Here's my penny's worth...
If it isn't brake / steering / wheel balance related, you may want to check the prop shaft center bearing, the guibo flexidisc at the gearbox end of the prop shaft, and finally check the universal joints on the prop shaft.
The reason I mention the prop shaft and the possible source of the vibration is because I had a similar vibration some years ago which turned out to be the rear universal joint which was slightly worn. This vibration in turn caused the prop shaft center bearing to eventually give up. The unfortunate thing about the OEM prop shaft universal joints is that they are not replaceable. They are "lifetime joints". Fortunately here in SA I found a specialist workshop that replaced the OEM joint with a more common replaceable universal and saved me huge ammo on replacing the entire prop shaft from BMW.
The center bearing isn't very expensive and is easily replaced as is the guibo, by the average BMW mechanic. I have done them myself, so that will indicate how easy it is.... just lots of PT because the exhaust and heat shields have to be removed to access the prop shaft.
Finally, since you're checking stuff down there, the two wheel drive shafts have an inner and outer CV joint. These are protected inside bellows type rubber boots. They have been known to "dry" - this means the grease inside the boots has hardened, and don't do the lube job they should. A small amount of CV joint grease can be injected into the joint by releasing the clip at one end of the boot and using a small grease gun to pump it into the boot. The clip will likely be damaged when it's removed, but can be replaced with a decent and adequately sized pull tie.
Again, I have had the "dry" CV joint issue, and it also caused an intermittent vibration.
If it isn't brake / steering / wheel balance related, you may want to check the prop shaft center bearing, the guibo flexidisc at the gearbox end of the prop shaft, and finally check the universal joints on the prop shaft.
The reason I mention the prop shaft and the possible source of the vibration is because I had a similar vibration some years ago which turned out to be the rear universal joint which was slightly worn. This vibration in turn caused the prop shaft center bearing to eventually give up. The unfortunate thing about the OEM prop shaft universal joints is that they are not replaceable. They are "lifetime joints". Fortunately here in SA I found a specialist workshop that replaced the OEM joint with a more common replaceable universal and saved me huge ammo on replacing the entire prop shaft from BMW.
The center bearing isn't very expensive and is easily replaced as is the guibo, by the average BMW mechanic. I have done them myself, so that will indicate how easy it is.... just lots of PT because the exhaust and heat shields have to be removed to access the prop shaft.
Finally, since you're checking stuff down there, the two wheel drive shafts have an inner and outer CV joint. These are protected inside bellows type rubber boots. They have been known to "dry" - this means the grease inside the boots has hardened, and don't do the lube job they should. A small amount of CV joint grease can be injected into the joint by releasing the clip at one end of the boot and using a small grease gun to pump it into the boot. The clip will likely be damaged when it's removed, but can be replaced with a decent and adequately sized pull tie.
Again, I have had the "dry" CV joint issue, and it also caused an intermittent vibration.
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2015
- Points
- 191
A wonderful offer. Top man Tony
Hi guys and girls!!
Just wanted to update you on the latest, and also to apologise for the delay in reply! I am currently in Y3 of my medical degree and on rotation in hull (i live in york!) so I am doing a lot of travelling back and forth, and my life seems to be being swallowed up by studies at the minute! at least that is my excuse for being rubbish and slow with my replies
A BIG thanks again for all the help and advice! and especially to those that so kindly offered to help me out to do the actual work!! I would have come if I';d dared make the journey, and certainly hope I get to meet you all before long at a meet or general meet up before long anyway and @GazHyde & co, your hunch was right!! My friend came over at the weekend and we went out for a little spin in felix with him behind the wheel. About 25 mins into the drive, sure enough, the wobble kicked in again! Dave immediately said he thought it was the caliper sticking, though he remarked that he thought it a little odd that it wasn't causing my car to pull to one side. We pulled up and he put his hand in front of all the wheels and then turned to me and said 'it's your front drivers side caliper sticking!'
So with our family friend come family mechanic away on his hollybobs, and not daring to drive him long distances incase his caliper stuck on permanently and caused my break fluid to boil (dave cautioned me that that was a possibility if I drove him the good 1hr15 to hull and it stuck on), I accepted I was going to have to try a regular garage and hope they didn't charge me a bomb and reckon I needed parts I didn't really
Dave told me he thought it was the sliders sticking, but that worst case it could be that the piston had seized
Took it into Moss' tyres in York who were really great and fitted me in when it worked for me. I bought bosch discs and pads for my fronts to take with me as I knew they needed doing anyway (especially the one that'd been putting up with the sticking caliper!)
Turned out it was my piston. They reckoned it'd seized on solid and couldn't even loosen it as a temporary measure whilst I bought my own caliper to fit. They really impressed me when they turned around and said they could get the caliper from eurocar parts just up the road and would charge me their online price for it. I knew they weren't fobbing me off too as I'd been considering buying the caliper off eurocarparts myself just a few days before just incase (as I thought I could always return it if it wasn't needed) and I knew that the price they were quoting me was the price I'd seen on their website
New discs and pads were fitted along with the caliper and off I went half an hour later in a happy z3!
It felt really nice when the guy said at the end 'well I can see you love and look after your car. You've got the best tyres on it and things' It's nice when people acknowledge the pride and care you take over your car. You have to when it's your baby like our z3's are!! (I treated him to a set of Michelin pilot sports this month when he needed his new shoes
)
Hoping I might be able to arrange to meet up with some of you lovely folks over the summer? I love an excuse for a road trip in felix!
I also want to address the issue of my loose/giving seat bushings this summer (@Aceman ) and my passenger seat up/down motor being jammed. So lots of projects to keep me busy with over summer!
Just wanted to update you on the latest, and also to apologise for the delay in reply! I am currently in Y3 of my medical degree and on rotation in hull (i live in york!) so I am doing a lot of travelling back and forth, and my life seems to be being swallowed up by studies at the minute! at least that is my excuse for being rubbish and slow with my replies
A BIG thanks again for all the help and advice! and especially to those that so kindly offered to help me out to do the actual work!! I would have come if I';d dared make the journey, and certainly hope I get to meet you all before long at a meet or general meet up before long anyway
and @GazHyde & co, your hunch was right!! My friend came over at the weekend and we went out for a little spin in felix with him behind the wheel. About 25 mins into the drive, sure enough, the wobble kicked in again! Dave immediately said he thought it was the caliper sticking, though he remarked that he thought it a little odd that it wasn't causing my car to pull to one side. We pulled up and he put his hand in front of all the wheels and then turned to me and said 'it's your front drivers side caliper sticking!'So with our family friend come family mechanic away on his hollybobs, and not daring to drive him long distances incase his caliper stuck on permanently and caused my break fluid to boil (dave cautioned me that that was a possibility if I drove him the good 1hr15 to hull and it stuck on), I accepted I was going to have to try a regular garage and hope they didn't charge me a bomb and reckon I needed parts I didn't really
Dave told me he thought it was the sliders sticking, but that worst case it could be that the piston had seized
Took it into Moss' tyres in York who were really great and fitted me in when it worked for me. I bought bosch discs and pads for my fronts to take with me as I knew they needed doing anyway (especially the one that'd been putting up with the sticking caliper!)
Turned out it was my piston. They reckoned it'd seized on solid and couldn't even loosen it as a temporary measure whilst I bought my own caliper to fit. They really impressed me when they turned around and said they could get the caliper from eurocar parts just up the road and would charge me their online price for it. I knew they weren't fobbing me off too as I'd been considering buying the caliper off eurocarparts myself just a few days before just incase (as I thought I could always return it if it wasn't needed) and I knew that the price they were quoting me was the price I'd seen on their website
New discs and pads were fitted along with the caliper and off I went half an hour later in a happy z3!
It felt really nice when the guy said at the end 'well I can see you love and look after your car. You've got the best tyres on it and things' It's nice when people acknowledge the pride and care you take over your car. You have to when it's your baby like our z3's are!! (I treated him to a set of Michelin pilot sports this month when he needed his new shoes
) Hoping I might be able to arrange to meet up with some of you lovely folks over the summer? I love an excuse for a road trip in felix!
I also want to address the issue of my loose/giving seat bushings this summer (@Aceman
) and my passenger seat up/down motor being jammed. So lots of projects to keep me busy with over summer!
@t-tony thank you so much! Hoping you might like to meet up over the summer? Be great to come visit and meet another zedder. Besides, you live so close to where I live that it would be rude for me not to visit! I finish all the dreaded exams at the end of may/start of june and have 2 months before my next rotation begins, so I'll have quite a bit of free time then!
I finish all the dreaded exams at the end of may/start of june and have 2 months before my next rotation begins, so I'll have quite a bit of free time then!