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Thread: Vibration under low speeds 2003 330i

  1. #1
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    Vibration under low speeds 2003 330i

    Ok so I had a bad center support bearing that was causing a really bad vibration. I went along and changed the guibo and the center support bearing. This fixed most of the vibration but I still notice a slight vibration when cruising around the city, I know my driveshaft is still balanced because I took it to a shop to get checked and they told me everything is fine. Pls help. I’m not sure if this relates in anyway but I also have a shaking issue when trying to slow down from high speeds I’m thinking there’s something wrong with my brakes. Any advice would be amazing. Ps the vibration at low speeds is not a crazy strong vibration, just slight.

  2. #2
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    Driveline out of alignment due to bad engine or trans mounts, centering sleeve in the guibo end of the driveshaft, improper preload on the CSB or bad universal joints are all possibilities.

    A bad CSB can harm old and crusty universal joints. When the driveline is flopping around under there it generates abnormally high loads and much higher deflection than normal. It can basically kill your driveshaft.

  3. #3
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    I have new engine mounts I just haven’t put them in yet, ima get to that this weekend hopefully.

  4. #4
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    The specialist at the driveshaft place also told me my u joint was fine in my driveshaft
    Last edited by E46jaime; 11-08-2018 at 11:44 PM.

  5. #5
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    Did the tech check out the center support bearing?

  6. #6
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    yeah the center support bearing was changed a few days prior.

  7. #7
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    The symptoms when slowing down indicate it may be:

    • A suspension component, most likely(FCAB's)front control arm bushings.
    • If vibration felt mostly through the steering wheel, then it may be front brake rotor deposits or warping.

  8. #8
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    I just changed the front control arm bushings about 200 miles ago

  9. #9
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    Was a proper wheel alignment performed after the suspension components were replaced?

  10. #10
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    Lots of people have tried to change out the CSB on Audis, for example. It's so tough to do right that audi normally won't even sell you one...you have to get a complete driveshaft assembly including new CSB AND CSB mount! You DID change the CSB mount?
    But I'm sure you did it right. Right?

  11. #11
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    Yes I changed everything the only thing I could not change was the centering sleeve because I couldn’t find a tool online, I haven’t gotten the car aligned yet because I’m going to get a new set of tires in the next week.

  12. #12
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    I’m about 60% sure my engine mounts are going bad, I read somewhere if you feel some vibration in the steering wheel it’s an indicator of the mounts going bad, can anyone confirm this?

  13. #13
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    You might also want to check your control arms and calipers (sticky calipers can cause vibrations). Bent or unbalanced wheels are another possible source of vibrations.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by E46jaime View Post
    I’m about 60% sure my engine mounts are going bad, I read somewhere if you feel some vibration in the steering wheel it’s an indicator of the mounts going bad, can anyone confirm this?
    I"m sure you did read it somewhere. That doesn't mean it's right or that I would agree with it. Vibration in steering wheel while going down the road is almost certainly wheel balance, wheel out of round or bent, bad tire or flat spotted tire (happens!), less often loose tie rod ends, etc. Engine mounts are generally an idle issue. High mileage could also be a guibo issue. Cracks in the guibo usually mean time to replace...those cracks get bigger every time you accelerate or decelerate in gear.

  15. #15
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    Yeah I’m thinking im going to change my front rotors and pads, is it wrong for me to just change the front rotors and not the rear

  16. #16
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    As long as you do them in pairs, it's OK to replace only front or only rear.

  17. #17
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    You'll be fine, have you checked the rotors for deposits?

  18. #18
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    Are you sure that it's the front shields?

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by E46jaime View Post
    Yes I changed everything the only thing I could not change was the centering sleeve because I couldn’t find a tool online, I haven’t gotten the car aligned yet because I’m going to get a new set of tires in the next week.
    That centering sleeve was critical on Audi driveshafts. But then audi shafts came with a complete new center bearing mount/sleeve.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by E46jaime View Post
    Yeah I’m thinking im going to change my front rotors and pads, is it wrong for me to just change the front rotors and not the rear
    Yes you can change them in axle sets. However, 99% of the time vibration isn't due to bad rotors...deposits on rotors generally the issue. FWIW I've not had problems with BMW rotors using BMW (textar) pads. YMMV. But stoptech's bedding procedure solves most rotor/pad problems. Don't change the rotors unless they're worn below factory limits.

  21. #21
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    Typically low speed vibration is due to any of the following:
    Flex disc worn
    Center bearing issues
    Driveshaft mounts
    Universal joint issues
    Incorrect alignment

  22. #22
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    I haven’t checked the rotors for deposits yet, the reason I’m starting to think it’s my front brakes is because I had a really badly warn control arm bushing maybe a month and a half ago and that was causing some serious vibration. Maybe that messed up my front brakes idk I might be on a wrong suspect. What do u guys think

  23. #23
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    Check the rear axles for torsional play.

  24. #24
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    control arm bushing nothing to do with brakes.

    Quote Originally Posted by E46jaime View Post
    I haven’t checked the rotors for deposits yet, the reason I’m starting to think it’s my front brakes is because I had a really badly warn control arm bushing maybe a month and a half ago and that was causing some serious vibration. Maybe that messed up my front brakes idk I might be on a wrong suspect. What do u guys think

    brakes is brakes. generally you get vibration when using them if there's an issue...otherwise it's wheels, tires, front balljoints (integral with front arms on BMW e46 and especially m3).

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