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Thread: Can low tranny fluid make steering wheel shake?

  1. #1
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    Can low tranny fluid make steering wheel shake?

    Out of nowhere, while driving today ...after a few days of sitting, at about 30-35mph, my steering wheel began to shudder. I turned around and headed home. It continued shake intermittently on the 2 mile return trip. When I got home I thought I could smell clutch.

    Could low transmission fluid cause this to happen? I had my tranny drained and fluid replaced about a year and a half ago - with some that Dr Tranny Shudder Fix added.

    It almost felt like a wheel was loose or had mud in it. But I don’t think that’s the issue.

    Any thoughts are appreciated.

    Jay


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  2. #2
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    No. They are separate systems.

    Did you check your steering fluid? (which is ATF, also) Its beside your oil filter.

    Alternatively there could be a loose bolt on the pump, a weak tensioner etc.
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  3. #3
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    The smell of a clutch burning is very similar to brakes cooking - and that is your most likely cause of the shake, a brake caliper seized....
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


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  4. #4
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    Thank you both, I'll go investigate each.
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  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Timm View Post
    The smell of a clutch burning is very similar to brakes cooking - and that is your most likely cause of the shake, a brake caliper seized....
    To add to this, if you have an IR (non-contact) thermometer, take the car for a drive, then park it and immediately check the temperature of the brakes on each corner. If one corner stands out as extra warm, that's the one with the problem.

  6. #6
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    It is also worth saying to check the tyre pressures - low pressure also causes shake at low speed....
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


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  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by rslifkin View Post
    To add to this, if you have an IR (non-contact) thermometer, take the car for a drive, then park it and immediately check the temperature of the brakes on each corner. If one corner stands out as extra warm, that's the one with the problem.
    Thank you. Yes, I have an IR thermometer - it's my hand. I have done this before, drive around a bit and then slowly move my hand to the wheel to see if it's cool/slightly warm or hot as a bastid! I will safely check.
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  8. #8
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    The simple answer is no they are unrelated, but if your transmission is shuddering, I could maybe see it shaking the wheel IF it is shuddering violently enough. But you'd feel it in the seat and the rest of the car. The previous suggestions are spot on.
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  9. #9
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    probably the control arm bushings are shot
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  10. #10
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    Interesting that, after a 5 mile test drive, there was no shudder. It was a bit warmer today. After the drive, when I did open both driver and passenger front windows and I thought I could hear a little brake/rotor rubbing. Verrrry little. Not rhythmic, which would support a warped rotor. AND, when I got home, none of the 4 wheels were even warm. Wondering if one of the calipers did stay on and was grabbing the rotor, but, today - with a bit warmer out, the caliper relaxed enough to not be an issue. As soon as this shudder returns, I'll check which wheel is warm and likely replace that caliper. (I do wonder, if I take the caliper/yoke apart and clean where both parts slide on one another... maybe that helps/resolves the issue).

    Thanks all,

    Jay
    '01 325Ci Convertible, 5-speed
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