Shaky Suspension! Cold Weather! Help!

[OlRoguelO]

Yes, I am very aware that my problem has probably been adressed in a previous thread, but as I am unable to find a solution, here comes my post:

I bought my 93 325is a couple months ago down on the coast, and drove it up to upstate New York. Even though it has over 200,000 miles, it ran great the entire way up and since then... however since the cold weather has hit, (has been down to -15 F so far) the suspension has been creaking and groaning at me. Also, when I get up to over 50 MPH the steering wheel becomes very shaky and feels like it is over vibrating a ton.

I recently put on new tires and had it aligned.

I do know that different suspension items need to be replaced after so many miles, but truth to be told, I am a total newb at car stuff, and I bought this car for the specific reason of being able to learn more about automobiles and the mechanical procedure on working on them...

That said, what all should I probably go ahead and replace as a preventive maintance procedure under my char for the suspension and handling?

On specific thing that i noticed was that when I was about 60 MPH and went to take a curve the handling got VERY shaky and almost uncontrollable.

Thanks for any links and input!!!

[OlRoguelO]

bump

[Matt at Dunlop]

Here's my opinion based on my experience in very cold temps.

First.... -15 F is extremely cold!! Your suspension is going to be louder no matter what at those extreme temps, and that isn't always an indicator of a problem. If it continues to creak & groan when temps are well above freezing, then I would troubleshoot by searching the forums. For instance, if you hear a clunking in the trunk area over bumps you can safely assume you need RSM's.

Regarding the wheel vibration. At those temps it's very possible that snow or water has frozen to one or more of the wheels and caused an imbalance. This happened to me before...wheels got caked with snow, it froze because it was so cold, and it felt like I had a wheel out of balance. My friend actually carries a jagged, broken-off hockey stick in his WRX wagon for "cleaning out" his snow-caked wheels. The joys of living in snow country :buttrock

Hope this helps,
Matt

[OlRoguelO]

Hmm, that is a good point. I did not even think to check my tires for ice... but seeing as the car was incased in over an inch of ice all over, then tires probably had some stuff on em too.