Wheel Vibration

[ArchaicAngel]

When I'm at highway speeds, and the road veers left, I get a vibration in the steering wheel and sound coming from the right rear wheel. Alignment hasn't fixed the problem, and I'm now looking at either the Lower Control Arm Bushings, or the Wheel Bearing itself. Is there a way for me to check and see if either are shot without going to a mechanic or the dealer? I'm alright at repairs and have the Service Manual so taking stuff apart isn't a big deal. Thanks Guys!

-Jordan

[ArchaicAngel]

Come on you guys.... It's a pretty simple question! Easy way to check if wheel bearing or control arm bushing?????

[jaavaajoe]

Sorry, I don't have any experience with either.

[Relevart]

Bearings + controll arm assembly will cost you about $300 (both sides).
Split is almost exactly even.
In your place I would replace both: you're already there...
I am not a service tech, but do all car work, I can, myself...
I do not know of any way to troubleshoot bearing vs controll arm on a driveway.
Bearings and bushing failure manifest itself in the noise, as you know, which is caused by excessive clearance. What is the method to measure clearance in the car suspension? Components weigh about 60lb on each side, plus they are preloaded with about 400lb springs. This takes all the clearance out and who can wiggle 400lb to see if there is a play? Most likely component to fail? But you already know: BMW rear wheel bearings and control arm bushings, though I think I have heard of front suspension bushing failure, not rear... I think...
The only way, I can think of, to take bearing out and diagnose it on test fixture. Same with bushings. But if you go to those extends.... Just replace them.
Sorry man, cant help much just do bouth and be done...

[MyKey]

when your driving swerve from side to side if the noise disappears when tuned one way and you hear a hum sound when you swerve the other way its the bearing, to check control arms jack the car up and set it on jack stands, make sure the stand are on the frame and let the wheels hang, go under the car and look at the ball joints and have a buddy shake the wheel for you from side to side and up and down , if you see movement in any of the ball joints you found your problem

[schulman]

when you got the alignment, did you get your wheels balanced also? If not, it might be a very simple solution

[ArchaicAngel]

Thanks, Guys! I found an online parts store for OEM BMW stuff, and they list the actual wheel bearing as ~$18.00m same for control arm bushings. Since it's not that expensive, I'm gonna do both on both sides. I'm just curious where people are getting $300 quotes from??

-Jordan

[Relevart]

bavauto.com:

BMW p/n 33 32 1 092 237 Rear Lower Control Arm - Left or Right $ 74.95
two of these: $149.90

p/n 33 41 1 468 904 Wheel Bearing - Rear $ 79.95 more expensive x 2

p/n 33 41 1 468 747 Rear Wheel Bearing $ 39.95 less expensive x 2


worst case it is 300 for rear axcel.


Are you willing to share where you got $18 quotes from?

[ArchaicAngel]

I was looking at www.bimmerpatswholesale.com The only difference I found, really, was that I was looking just at the control arm bushings, not the entire arm. Thanks for all your help!

-Jordan