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-   -   Front End Shake - Possible Sway Bar Links (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/61976-front-end-shake-possible-sway-bar-links.html)

JohnD 05-18-2009 07:15 PM

Front End Shake - Possible Sway Bar Links
 
Over the last few days I have developed a steering wheel shake when braking at high speeds. There brake pedal doesn't give off any pulsing - just a slight side to side shake of the steering wheel. The brakes and front rotors are only 5K miles old and were done by the dealer - I reached under the car and there appears to be a lot of play on the sway bar links - could this cause the vibration? Do I need an alignment after changing them out? I would hate to have to do the brakes again..

LightWerkz 05-18-2009 08:49 PM

Odd, mine does the same thing. I havent been under the car, well because I dont need to be, I will let them deal with it. Let me know what you find.

anerbe 05-18-2009 08:58 PM

sway bars and/or thrust arm bearings

themoth 05-18-2009 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anerbe (Post 621681)
sway bars and/or thrust arm bearings

I would say maybe both in this case, just did the thurst rod bushing on mine, world of difference...

jst2878 05-18-2009 09:11 PM

most likely its the thrust arm bushings. the swaybar links will cause a clunking sound and will not affect braking as much as thrust arm bushings or warped rotors. Warped rotors could be a possibility if its not the thrust arm bushings.

LightWerkz 05-18-2009 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jst2878 (Post 621685)
most likely its the thrust arm bushings. the swaybar links will cause a clunking sound and will not affect braking as much as thrust arm bushings or warped rotors. Warped rotors could be a possibility if its not the thrust arm bushings.

Warped rotors? Doubtful, I thought whole notion of a "warped" rotor has been dismissed, but I guess some people will still call it that. A bad rotor would have a pretty obvious feel through the pedal, he saying he doesnt feel much.

Ive got the same issue, its not bad too. Its at high speeds, when I tap the brake you can feel a bit of steering shake. Nothing serious, but its there.

admranger 05-18-2009 09:58 PM

No way is it sway bar links.

It is likely the thrust arm bushings. Could be pad deposits on the rotors if you've just done some 'enthusiastic' driving, like say take it out on a track for a session or three.

anerbe 05-19-2009 10:40 AM

i had the exact problem - felt like the steering wheel was going to shake apart when braking over 40 mph.

it was the thrust arm bushings - replaced by dealer. everything is gravy now.

just saw i put bearings in my previous post by mistake. it's the bushings.

replace these and report back. the sway bar would cause clunking on bumps and sloppy handling.

StanF18 05-19-2009 12:00 PM

I believe technically they're called thrust-ROD bushings. Anyway, I had mine replaced recently also. By the looks of this thread, looks like it is a common item to need replacing. Typically they develop a hairline crack, which the $tealer should be able to see.

Isambard 05-19-2009 12:16 PM

Can this be a job for a competent DIYer? Or is there special tooling needed for the job? Just asking as mine seems to shake a little upon normal braking at high-ish speeds... nothing major but noticeable.

Are the bushings easy to get at to check? Are there any obvious tell-tale signs they need replacing (other than the hairline crack)? Anyone got any pics, or a clear description of where they are, what they look like? Cost? Thanks


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