2001 E53 wobble

[AW8]

Anyway good luck

[Beenq]

I understand where your coming from

[AW8]

Unlikely IMO

[AW8]

Don't dismiss wheel damage or mishaped tyre

[themoog]

I had the same problem with mine last year. I replaced all the suspension front and rear and still it wobbles. It was only after putting new front discs and pads on that it was cured- I assumed the old ones were ok.
So if I were you I would bin your discs even though you say they were changed before you got the car. I recon that will be the fault.
On a side note- we have two identical X5's and the other is still on its original thrust arms. I can see they are totally shot just by looking at them but there is no wobble on the steering on that one at all.. The ride on that car is definitely 'looser' than mine though. It rolls more etc. I may fill the thrust bushes with polyurethane sealant to firm them up to see what happens before shelling out a load of cash on new ones.

[AW8]

Have spent some time this morning looking into this on other forums today, (not E53 or even BMW specific).

As with much forum disussion the quality &/or provenance of various posts & suggestions is varied.

Various discussions,  many in depth, some seemingly credible & some arguably clutching at straws albeit with good intentions.....eight down to in depth discussions about washers.

Issues can arise from impact/pot hole damage, poor instalation, inadequate or lack of correct bedding in or alleged product quality issues.

Whilst all reported wheel wobbles cannot be put down to one particular factor it would be fair to say that when other factors have been ruled out a disc change often sorts the issue, (even when the discs replaced are relatively fresh).

I should also clarify that I am not aware of credible evidence that any one make or spec of disc is better or worse than another.......despite a general acceptance that quality can vary between products.

[Beenq]

Thanks themoog , at least you have done everything I have and then a disk change seems to have sorted it , AW8 thankyou for having a more detailed look into things as well

This morning got it on ramps (so all the load was still on front end) everything is tight , as soon as the tyres are done Thursday and everything tracked I will replace the front disks . Picking up the temp reader later also just to rule out a sticking caliper

On a side note I just wanted to say how friendly and helpful the lads that have answered have been on this issue , I will report back and keep you posted

[X5-D-Sport]

I had the wobble issue not long ago... well the X5 did any way..

Turned out to be a sticking caliper piston.... this is soooo easily overlooked... & I changed loads of parts & still had the issue after a short drive duration above a certain speed.

A rebuild kit for both fronts can be as little as £/$35 & is straight forward to do for an above average DIY mechanic.

If you are not confident or SURE of what you are doing, get a trusted Indy-Garage to do it for you.

[Beenq]

Hi X5 dsport Salisbury , thanks for taking the time to answer , with a sticking caliper/piston was it noticeable with just driving the car over a certain speed or was it under braking ? I don't seem to have a problem with normal driving but this occurs under braking for me , I'm not sure about the X5 having a wobble but I'm defo on the verge of one lol

[henrym3]

The discs may have been poorly fitted, ie, a bit of grit or rust between disc inner face and hub will cause problems, as you seem to have driven some distance like this it's probably caused the disc to distort, so, if fitting yourself make sure both surfaces are immaculate.

[Beenq]

Right guys , quick update , new tyres fitted to rear , all 4 corners balanced and tracked  , after a 6 mile journey I took a temp reading of front disks , drivers side was showing 85 degrees passenger side was showing 110 degrees :'( , definitely seems like I have a sticky caliper on the passenger side

Can I have your thoughts guys , I'm sure we will come to the same would just like to hear you opinions

[X5-D-Sport]

You will not often notice a sticking caliper piston causing pulling or extra braking, you will just get wobble & severe wear on pads one side...
The sticking issue can also be the cross slider bolts that the piston casting slides on or even a pad jammed solid in its location, & needing the rusty crud n dirt scraped out with a screw driver.....

What ever the issues, the caliper stick issue is likely to be the cause any way, it will then accentuate any other wear & slop that is generally in the front end but hidden due to the huge weight of this machine.

You will likely change £300 of parts to mask the caliper issue which will return after you buy new disks, joints & bushes etc.
Your choice... you pays your money...

[Beenq]

Yep , first port of call is to investigate the passenger side , there has to some binding there causing more heat !!

[henrym3]

It can be difficult to convince your self 100% that its the caliper but never forget the only way the disc could heat up more is with the pads touching it. My suggestion would be to remove caliper and pop the piston out and inspect the piston and cylinder as to why it's sticking before you buy a repair kit. If the fluid has never been changed it could be rust and not worth repairing or wasting your money. Of course if your buying new/reconditioned?  X5 D's suggestion is first, it might just be crud on the sliders. Clean grease, smile.

[Beenq]

Cheers Henry , that's my first port of call , strip off passenger side have a good clean up and check the piston , I'm busy with family for the next week (car won't get used) so will update my findings once I've stripped it off , thanks again