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slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X5 (E53).
AW8
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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by AW8 » Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:29 pm

I'm with Raj on this one assuming it's under braking & front discs not shaped like Popadoms
Gone - 2002 E53 X5 4.4i Sport (Pre Facelift) Owned 2006-2016.

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simonski
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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by simonski » Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:45 pm

Hi there, i had this prob on mine and it turned out to be a sticking caliper n/s as it happens,quite a simple fix
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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by Smeeagain » Wed Mar 05, 2014 12:05 am

[quote="Steve Blackdog"]
I don't reckon its the discs.  I have relatively new Zimms and there is no vibs braking at any other speed.

However, I did another test, which was to roll the car very slowly forwards down a steep hill (engine running) and apply the brakes fully. You can feel a clonk, which sounds to me more like bushes than brakes.

I've still not got round to going to the garage yet, but if its a sign that the front brake arm reaction bushes are shot, then I ought to go see the man.
[/quote]

the downhill/clonk test is almost def 100% bushes. I had the wobble for almost 3 years no-one could find it, MOT passed etc. mechanic did downhill/clonk and then did bushes - hey presto no wobble

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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by Smeeagain » Wed Mar 12, 2014 6:17 pm

So Steve Blackdog did you get it fixed?

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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by RoShamBo » Thu Mar 13, 2014 5:30 pm

I have this judder at exactly that speed when braking (65-70mph)
Its not discs or pads and its not the alignment (all checked) but when it was in for an Inspection 2 service a couple of days ago they said the front tension arm bushes are worn and need replacing.

They were certain that this was causing the shudder under braking.

Having them done in a couple of weeks so can report back, but 99% sure that's the problem.

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Steve Blackdog
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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by Steve Blackdog » Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:29 pm

Hi folks

Yes it is the front reaction arm bushes - they are completely shot.  I'm waiting to get the gearbox sorted, then I'll do the bushes.  I hope I can give problem solving a rest for a few thousand miles, then :)

Raj
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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by Raj » Fri Mar 14, 2014 1:35 pm

[quote="Steve Blackdog"]
Hi folks

Yes it is the front reaction arm bushes - they are completely shot.  I'm waiting to get the gearbox sorted, then I'll do the bushes.  I hope I can give problem solving a rest for a few thousand miles, then :)
[/quote]

I'm always constantly hoping for trouble free driving...lol
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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by b20wht » Tue Mar 18, 2014 2:14 pm

I'm looking at replacing these bushes too as I have the same problem. Can you confirm that they are the most forward bushes on the car and attach to the front cross member/subframe? Also I am thinking of useing power flex bushes, has anyone got any experience with these? And 1 last thing, is that the adjusting bolt for the camber that runs through the middle of the bush?
2004 X5 3.0d

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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by Steve Blackdog » Tue Mar 18, 2014 10:31 pm

Hi there

This is the brake reaction arm or control arm - it seems to have many names. The bushes are around £20 for after market parts.  My independent BMW guy prefers to replace the arms as he thinks the bushes can be tricky to remove and replace.  There again, his time cost has to be brought into the equation.

Good luck.

Steve

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Re: slight wheel wobble braking at 70mph

Post by b20wht » Tue Mar 18, 2014 11:33 pm

I have just ordered the power flex version at £80. Hope they are not to harsh as some reports I've read!
2004 X5 3.0d

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