chunky_lad

My Mrs has an old T plate BMW 3 series, lately when breaking from speed ( 60-70 ) steering wheel shakes very noticeably. I'm concerned that it's something major and may not be safe - not being mechanically minded at all was looking for some ideas on what the problem might be and if it is safe to be driving the car until it's fixed?


Thanks.....

EvoBarry

Sounds like warped discs, possibly knackered pads aswell ? If its warped discs you're losing braking performance but driven sensibly its not *that* dangerous... not pleasant either tho.

Rajaman

iTrader: (3)

I second the warped discs theory
My old mans E class merc had the same prob, change the discs and pads ( try just the fronts first ) and make sure that you bed the new pads in

Dracoro

Check wishbones & ball joints.

Jamescsti

Had the same problem on my old Fiesta ZS, was warped discs, you will prob need new pads too now

kendz

Something else to look at,

We had a sililar problem on my g'friends 318 compact after she had it lowered and applyed 18" wheels. It turned out to be due to the play that the 3 series have in the 'Front lower wishbone rear bush (eccentric)'...

(shown in diagram as '1')



...and the front wheels being slightly off balance. The larger wheels were exagerrating the wobble under braking. A fine balance later and prob was solved.

Matt

kammy

Make sure when the disks and pads are changed that the hubs are cleaned with a wire brush. My old 325TD went through 2 sets before I realised the mechanic was a numnut.