Vibration does not go away - BMW Forum

ehgaldos@yahoo.com · 06-07-2012, 12:09 PM

I can feel the car vibrate when driving between 45 and 60 mph and under 2K rpm. This "only" happens when driving at this speed. I can clearly feel it on the steering wheel but I think the vibration could be originating from the engine. I just installed new tires that were balanced and aligned.
5K miles prior, I had the a new center link & idler arm installed because they were loosed and off centered. However, problem persists. What else could be causing the vibration?
Is there some type of torque controller that may need replacement?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Enrique

brettski · 06-08-2012, 03:50 AM

There are several pieces of the front suspension that do cause this specific issue, I'd say you covered some of them, but the front control arms are part of the problem. FCP Groton have a kit which addresses all the usual suspects, but I don't think that you will need the full set.

Lord Vader · 06-08-2012, 01:22 PM

Inspect the following: ball joints, tie rods, and control arms. One or more of these being worn or damaged could cause the issue your experiencing.

Penngwyne · 06-09-2012, 10:10 AM

Yes what they said for sure.

Surprised you wheel aligner didn't notice anything

If you kick the tyre in front or behind the centre and it vibrates then something is worn. Try it with the wheels straight then turned fully in each direction.

If it makes a clunk when braking really hard (walking pace or slower) in forward but not in reverse it's probably the radius arm bushes.

Also try googling the problem. You may find it pretty common.

ehgaldos@yahoo.com · 06-19-2012, 07:23 PM

Took my '94 540 to the mechanic and he found it has a badly worn out drive shaft joint. $800.00 to replace (incl parts). OUCH!

Lord Vader · 06-20-2012, 09:36 AM

A driveshaft joint? You mean the Guibo? The Gubo is a flexible disc that can wear out overtime, but its not very expensive and only takes an hour or so to replace

Penngwyne · 06-22-2012, 08:50 AM

Curiosity got me! The Gubo is?? I assume part no2 on this diagram?
CV joint may be a bit more expensive though.
(I made a few assumptions to get to this)

Drive shaft-cen.bearing-const.vel.joint BMW 5' E34, 540i (M60) ? BMW parts catalog

Lord Vader · 06-22-2012, 09:08 AM

Yes. Part # 2 is correct. Also called a "universal joint" it's a rubber flex disk which wears out over time causing play and vibration.