when braking at higher speeds my steering wheel shakes

[nds19677p]

I have a 1986 528e, Here's my problem I know my power steering pump is going out because it squeels when I turn the steering wheel when the car is cold, but it's fine when it's warmed up. So i'm guessing it's my p/s. Now,what would be causing my steering wheel to shake like crazy when i put on the brakes at a high speed? Like exiting on a freeway off ramp? HELP!

[Travis R]

Upper control arm bushings are shot.
Replace upper control arms.

[stephanb]

what Travis said. your issue could also be a problem with the steering box if u have alot of play in it.

But the bushings are propably shot. jack up the car and take a look, if they are shot they are totaly smushed together and propably have a crack or two.

also check the upper control arms and see if they are bent in any way.

i had this issue on my 75' 2002 i replaced the bushings and control arms and everything was back to normal.

[roberttran]

If it is the upper control arm bushings, replace them with new arms with 750 bushings pressed in. They are beefier then the standard e28 bushings. Steve Haygood at www.stevehaygood.com sells them pre-machined and pressed into lemfoerder upper control arms.

I installed a set in my e28 and my friend's e34.

[MontrealM535i]

When I had troubles with my steering components I had shimmy at cruising speeds.If it only shimmy's when you brake your front rotors are most likely finished or its a combo of the two. If you are able to lift the front of your car try playing with the wheels In/out look for ANY signs of movement if none I would be confident that the rotors have become spongy. let me know the outcome.

[sterile stork]

When I had troubles with my steering components I had shimmy at cruising speeds.If it only shimmy's when you brake your front rotors are most likely finished or its a combo of the two. If you are able to lift the front of your car try playing with the wheels In/out look for ANY signs of movement if none I would be confident that the rotors have become spongy. let me know the outcome.

Rotors last a long time, there has been lengthy discussion about the "warped" rotor issue. These problems or more, indications of failing/failed control arms. Warped rotors will be present no matter the speed, I've dealt with truly warped rotors -- it won't only show itself when braking from speed.

[535isCO]

When I had troubles with my steering components I had shimmy at cruising speeds.If it only shimmy's when you brake your front rotors are most likely finished or its a combo of the two. If you are able to lift the front of your car try playing with the wheels In/out look for ANY signs of movement if none I would be confident that the rotors have become spongy. let me know the outcome.

..what he said, had the same problem and my front rotors are groved..

[thirdworldman]

For what it's worth, the same symptoms were being exhibited by my 86 535i-rotors were grooved-replaced and problem was almost completely solved. The shimmy was still happening at low speed but was just less noticable. Good luck! Doug in Ct

[JayM]

It's control arm bushings as stated above. Warped rotors will be obvious at most speeds. I have the same problem with my M5, and the brakes were just inspected and are fine. I just have to find the time to replace the upper control arms (and a few other suspension bits).

[Black IS]

You need new tires bad!!