Steering Wheel Shimmy At High Speed Braking

[Quickman59]

I recently installed new front rotors and brake pads on my 1998 BMW328i. After about 3000 miles, I've noticed the steering wheel shimmies when I hit the brakes. I have to be going over 50mph to really notice it. The car has ABS. I've not flushed the ABS and the car has 61K miles on it.

Any idea what's going on?

[bad man working]

My guess is the discs are non OE (original equipment) and are cheap as a BMW tech I see this all the time Take them back to where you got them. First it’s worth checking a few other thing like front control arm ball joints very common for play and the next biggest course of brake judder is tyres have a GOOD LOOK!!! But my guess is brake discs

Hope this helps?

Bad Man Working

[Bear]

I use non OEM rotors (Brindi) on my 1988 750 and have no problems. I would take a close look at the control arm bushings as well as the ball joints.

[Quickman59]

I bought Brembo Rotors and Mintex pads. I did not think those were cheap. Also, I had the lower ball joints replace. What about an alignment? Would that have anything to do with it?

[diezel99]

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>I had the same problem on my 92 325i. The cause was an every so slightly bent rim that tapped a curb in the winter ghead . With new tires it was balanced to 99%, but as the tires got older over 20,000km the car developed a woble in hard braking at about 100-120kph. The problem just kept getting worse and eventually effected the ball joint as well. I've replaced the bad rim, put new tires on and replaced the ball joints and the problem is gone . And I'm also using Brembo drilled disks and mintex pads, and love they way they feel. </span>

[Bear]

Originally posted by Quickman59@Oct 4 2004, 08:57 AM
I bought Brembo Rotors and Mintex pads. I did not think those were cheap. Also, I had the lower ball joints replace. What about an alignment? Would that have anything to do with it?

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[Bear]

Originally posted by Quickman59@Oct 4 2004, 08:57 AM
I bought Brembo Rotors and Mintex pads. I did not think those were cheap. Also, I had the lower ball joints replace. What about an alignment? Would that have anything to do with it?

[snapback]204497[/snapback]

I do not believe it is the alignment, I still think you need to look at the control arm bushings. what I would have done, was replace the control arm (contains the ball joint) and then the bushing at end of control arm, this would have killed two birds with one stone and saved a bit on labor cost.

[freeyoself]

I have a 96 318. My problem is the ball joints. That could be your problem.

Hope you find out what it is so you can get that smooth stop back.

[abemcclellan]

i had a problem like that, but not in my bmw. my 300zx was doing that and i fixed the brakes and its gone.

[theogill]

I have 98 328i with 52K. Same problem with aftermarket (zimmermans--good rep), braking at higher speeds. Had BMW check it out. They replaced front rotors and pads, and balljoints. Problem gone. They first replaced bjoints, problem still present, so replaced front rotors with OEM/BMW. INcidentally, they're still working on getting it aligned properly.

My bet would be on rotors. Where did you buy the brembo's ?
Good luck :P

[Quickman59]

Originally posted by Bear+Oct 4 2004, 11:28 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bear @ Oct 4 2004, 11:28 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Quickman59@Oct 4 2004, 08:57 AM
I bought Brembo Rotors and Mintex pads.* I did not think those were cheap.* Also, I had the lower ball joints replace.* What about an alignment?* Would that have anything to do with it?

[snapback]204497[/snapback]

I do not believe it is the alignment, I still think you need to look at the control arm bushings. what I would have done, was replace the control arm (contains the ball joint) and then the bushing at end of control arm, this would have killed two birds with one stone and saved a bit on labor cost.

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[Quickman59]

I had the Ball Joints replaced with 54,000 miles when I purchased new Goodrich Gforce tires. After that is when I put the new Brembo Rotors and Mintex pads on the front brakes. The BMW dealer said nothing about the control arms. I suppose I should still have that checked?

[Trichmond]

Count me in on this one too. Had the same problem on a '95 318i (200K miles and going strong!). Replaced the struts (and shocks). This provided 95% remedy. Now, I only have a very slight shudder when braking.