95 E34 525i shaks bad~ maybe the Ball joint????????

[MichaelKaren]

Just drove friend's new car 95 525i. When we drove in local from 40 to stop the car, it was good( no shaking). We got onto the freeway about 65, then i step on the break, the whole car shakes badly. We all guess the problem is Ball joint. It could be right???????cause the break pads are still good. So, is any other problem beside Ball joint???????:help:help:help:help:help:help:help:he lp:help:help

[MichaelKaren]

Just drove friend's new car 95 525i. When we drove in local from 40 to stop the car, it was good( no shaking). We got onto the freeway about 65, then i step on the break, the whole car shakes badly. We all guess the problem is Ball joint. It could be right???????cause the break pads are still good. So, is any other problem beside Ball joint???????:help:help:help:help:help:help:help:he lp:help:help


????????????

[Verbatim]

Search for shimmy in the e34 section... you should get some results. This is caused by many factors, you will find out more upon searching. Also, it is considered bad form to bump your own thread after less than a day...

[fkong777]

common thrust arm bushing problem. Change the upper control arm with Lemforder with 740i bushing or M5 bushing pressed in.

If it still shake then change the lower control arm too.

I changed the tie rods too but you will need an alignment after tie rod change.

[Verbatim]

common thrust arm bushing problem. Change the upper control arm with Lemforder with 740i bushing or M5 bushing pressed in.

If it still shake then change the lower control arm too.

I changed the tie rods too but you will need an alignment after tie rod change.

I've heard that our cars can only have the fronts aligned, but when I called around for estimates, I was quoted for a 4 wheel alignment, at a reputable BMW indy shop, and the dealership. Should I ask for a front-only alignment, or is what I've heard wrong?

[jeffc]

If it's only when braking, it could also be your front rotors. I didn't go with OEM last time and mine warped after only about a year and a half. And that's with plenty left on the pads, too.

[gerizmos]

I've heard that our cars can only have the fronts aligned, but when I called around for estimates, I was quoted for a 4 wheel alignment, at a reputable BMW indy shop, and the dealership. Should I ask for a front-only alignment, or is what I've heard wrong?

ohhh id like to know this too.. ??

[t.wak]

It is true that the E34 can only be adjusted in the front for alignment.. Had the local shop here stumped trying to align the rear!! Don't let them charge you for something they can't do.

To fix my negative camber on the rear I am going to purchase a street camber kit.

[atl530i]

common thrust arm bushing problem. Change the upper control arm with Lemforder with 740i bushing or M5 bushing pressed in.

If it still shake then change the lower control arm too.

I changed the tie rods too but you will need an alignment after tie rod change.

+1

I did this last year and I have not had this problem since.


If it's only when braking, it could also be your front rotors. I didn't go with OEM last time and mine warped after only about a year and a half. And that's with plenty left on the pads, too.

+1 Warped rotors can do the same and make you thing the bushings need to be replaced.

Only thing with the bushings is when you tighten the ball joint, make sure you have a load on the bushing. You will be under the car again in a year doing the same thing if you do not. Ramps are handy for this :)

[88'325i]

Only thing with the bushings is when you tighten the ball joint, make sure you have a load on the bushing. You will be under the car again in a year doing the same thing if you do not. Ramps are handy for this :)

This could be confusing. Im sure he meant to instruct you to tighten the bolt on the chassis (bushing) side of the control arm while the car is resting on the suspension. Where you tighten the balljoint doesnt matter.