steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

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HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.0

steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by HighSharpe »

Hello all

Wondering if any one has any insight on this issue. It has only developed of late (c 2-3 weeks)

Sometimes, the steering wheel judders around the 50mph mark. It doesnt happen every time. I can't draw a pattern, but it feels like it is when the car has been revved up to the speed and the accelerator eased off. I suspected the tyres, and replaced 3 of them this morning (the rubber on the tyres had also started cracking being c 5+ years old with low mileage) . Avon ZV7's on the front and michelin's on the rear (one of the tyres was more recent).

the new tyres did seem to have reduced tramlining on an uneven road on low speeds, so i was happy.

However on a motorway ride the same problem reappeared.

I am attaching a link to a video .. you can see i am at 50mph in top gear. Downshifting etc doesnt reduce it, but seems to resolve itself after some time.
https://1drv.ms/v/s!Am_CLzV_6JJ5nWQqOtDq5sZcg70M
Any ideas ?
HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
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  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by HighSharpe »

For what it's worth, brake discs and pads were replaced about 3 years ago. So no major changes of late.
And i did feel a burning carbon smell from the front passenger tyre the first time i experienced this and stopped to check.
the car hasn't been serviced in c 2 yrs/3k miles ... but didn't feel like an engine knocking issue.
alec.m
Joined: Tue 05 Oct, 2010 19:01
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Lymington

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by alec.m »

I had exactly that problem a few years ago on my 2.8. It was knackered bushes on the rear of the wishbones. I took the opportunity to replace them with powerflex purple bushes. A complete cure for me. Hope this helps. If this is your problem your tracking will never be right and you`ll soon ruin your tyres.
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by BladeRunner919 »

I would start by looking at the brake caliper on the side that you smelled 'burning'. The judder and the smell are both potential symptoms of a sticking caliper.
HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
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  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by HighSharpe »

Back at the tyre place. Issue didn't occur in the way..though that was c20 30 mph drive

No extra heat on either side.

Tyre guy said one wheel is buckled and rebalanced...

Could that be the issue ?
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by BladeRunner919 »

If it's actually buckled, then that's your problem. You need to replace it. I wouldn't suggest you drive on a buckled wheel.
HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
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  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by HighSharpe »

So ...

a/ the wheel is a bit buckled. He rebalanced it. Says its OK though.

b/ says the D bushes are perished and recommends replacing the bushes, wishbone, drop links etc. quoting c 650quid for all this. Just the bushes are 250.

c/ says the callipers are fine.

A little bit all over the place really ... not sure now what's the best way to proceed.
gookah
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by gookah »

my money is still on a sticking calliper, regardless of what your mechanic says, buckled wheels, bushes etc etc don't resolve themselves and get better but a calliper can.
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c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
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  M roadster S50

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by c_w »

Tyre person was probably reporting a bit of runout, which can be balanced out without noticing it on the car unless it's really bad. But a badly buckled wheel is felt from slow speeds upward (the car waddles if it's really bad).

But after watching your video, that's definitely a binding caliper. After it's started to do it, try and pull over and feel each front wheel, the binding caliper wheel be hot.
Warrior
Joined: Tue 11 May, 2010 10:02
Posts: 497

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by Warrior »

Exactly the same as mine was doing on Wednesday. Brake caliper for sure.

First time I had a problem was about 3 years ago and it only happened once. Enough to make me pull over and check the wheel nuts. Had 2 advisories on April MOT's, both times after the car had been standing longer than normal but no obvious issues. Then a bit of a shudder that cleared itself some weeks ago and a real wobble on Wednesday.
burmagirl
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

I'm having this problem, starting at a lower speed than yours. My OH thinks it is the tracking but I'll try and check the wheel for heat as suggested on the thread. Please post once the cause is confirmed and it's fixed.

ren
HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
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  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by HighSharpe »

Thanks burmagirl .. doesn't look like i will have an update today. Please do keep me posted as well if anything comes up.
burmagirl
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

Well, I just took a brief trip up and down the A1 and checked the wheels as soon as I got back. I DO get the judder at 50mph and then again at 75mph. The wheels are all hottish but the offside back wheel is hotter than the others. No smell of burning though and the back tyres were new last year, although the front tyres may need replacing at the MOT. It's going into the garage on the 23rd to be checked for a few bits and pieces so I'll have them check that when I'm there, if it hasn't resolved itself.
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c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
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  M roadster S50

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by c_w »

burmagirl wrote:Well, I just took a brief trip up and down the A1 and checked the wheels as soon as I got back. I DO get the judder at 50mph and then again at 75mph. The wheels are all hottish but the offside back wheel is hotter than the others. No smell of burning though and the back tyres were new last year, although the front tyres may need replacing at the MOT. It's going into the garage on the 23rd to be checked for a few bits and pieces so I'll have them check that when I'm there, if it hasn't resolved itself.
Tracking never causes judder. Try the same thing to see if you can build a case for a certain wheel being hotter than the rest.

I've had a sticking caliper so bad I thought the wheel was falling off with the steering writhing and banging in my hands. I had to stop for a while whilst it cooled down, and I tried to lever the caliper/pad off the disc as best I could through the wheel spokes to get me home. Once it starts to bind lightly it gets hotter and binds more. Usually there are tell-tale signs on the disc (smear marks/blue clouds etc)
burmagirl
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

I've never had anything as bad as that, c_w! Are you saying, if it's sticking, it could still be stuck when you stop? I guess mine has not got that bad yet, but I'll check for the marks. What if there aren't any?

regards

Sue
burmagirl
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

I've never had anything as bad as that, c_w! Are you saying, if it's sticking, it could still be stuck when you stop? I guess mine has not got that bad yet, but I'll check for the marks. What if there aren't any?

regards

Sue
Howard Adams
Joined: Mon 10 Oct, 2016 15:39
Posts: 57

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by Howard Adams »

Hi, all of the above replys all are relevant. As an ex Land Rover technician the fault seems relatively easy to diagnose.
Any juddering,vibration through the steering wheel will normally be caused by a Front wheel/brake fault. Remove the brake master cylinder cap(rag around it)
Take the front wheels off, remove one caliper from its fixings, are the pads free in there guides?, next you will need an assistant to Slowly pump the brake pedal whilst you have a pair of large grips on the caliper piston, only pump it out a small amount( if it comes out completely you have a problem), it should be relatively free, then squeeze it back in. Repeat this 6 or 7 times. Reassemble using copper grease sparingly on the pad edges, do exactly the same on the other side. If it is seized and has corrosion/pitting on the piston a new caliper would be advised. (They don't have to be changed in pairs) Excellent opportunity to change the brake fluid as well.
Most Z3 are now 14/15 years + old so there's a good chance things are starting to seize.
Any wheel fault, whether out of balance or buckled will not be an intermittent fault.
You mentioned you have had the alignment done, the steering wheel should definitely be in the correct position!!
Hope some of this info helps.
H
burmagirl
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

Thanks Howard. You mention the front wheels - is this on a front wheel drive car, or is there some other reason? The Z3 is a rear-wheel drive car.

Sue
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by BladeRunner919 »

burmagirl wrote:Thanks Howard. You mention the front wheels - is this on a front wheel drive car, or is there some other reason? The Z3 is a rear-wheel drive car.

Sue
It's because a problem at the rear may cause the whole car to shake a bit, but won't give judder through the wheel. Obviously the steering wheel is attached to the front wheels, hence the advice to look at the front of the car.
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c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
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  M roadster S50

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by c_w »

burmagirl wrote:I've never had anything as bad as that, c_w! Are you saying, if it's sticking, it could still be stuck when you stop? I guess mine has not got that bad yet, but I'll check for the marks. What if there aren't any?

regards

Sue
Mine was quite bad and the car would come to a definite stop without pressing the brakes. But you can have light binding which builds a surprising amount of heat easily.
Howard Adams
Joined: Mon 10 Oct, 2016 15:39
Posts: 57

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by Howard Adams »

burmagirl wrote:Thanks Howard. You mention the front wheels - is this on a front wheel drive car, or is there some other reason? The Z3 is a rear-wheel drive car.

Sue
Any vibration or shaking coming through the steering wheel is normally a front end problem. It makes no difference whether the car is rwd or fwd. If my basic guide to diagnosing is followed you will find the fault.
Normally any fault with the rear calipers will cause violent shaking through the whole car and some times the brake pedal to pulse.
Good luck
H
burmagirl
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Joined: Sun 09 Jul, 2006 17:11
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

Nothing like that, Howard. I'll get my OH to investigate as you've suggested.

Thanks very much

Sue
Bobafixit
Joined: Mon 28 Sep, 2015 20:00
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by Bobafixit »

I agree this will definitely be a front caliper sticking issue.

I've had several E46 coupes and now a Z3 and all have had sticking calipers at some point which caused intermittent steering wheel wobble.
I've always just put this down to my cars spending more time on the drive being washed and polished than being driven.
Easy fix new / exchange calipers readily available from GSF or Eurocarparts for about £60-70.
burmagirl
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

Mine has been outside all winter due to far too much junk in the garage and I haven't driven it much as I broke my wrist and hand at the end of Aug; even now it's painful when I turn a corner. So that could well be the cause.

regards

Sue
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by peter2b »

I had some thing like that, after I had a winter check up by my local bmw dealer I found the n/s wish bone ball joint was worn and the rubber bush was knackered, after replacing the wish bones she handles like new I think it's the best £160 I've spent on her
peterz3
burmagirl
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

well my oh has checked the discsand there is no sign of anything sticking; i'll have to see what the garage says.

Sue
HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by HighSharpe »

Update ..

Went into the garage - PM me for which one.

Mechanic looked at the front offside discs and said it looks like the callipers' issue. Car on ramp, rotated both front wheels and o/s rotated less.

New callipers ordered and replaced. Hoping this has solved the issue, as it is intermittent, i can't really tell. I didnt have the issue onward to the garage nor on the way back.

All in, 70+vat for part, 90 for labour, total just under gbp200.
The old calliper was retained. The replacement was a pagid which said 'remanufactured' on the box.

Will update the thread if the issue reoccurs.
Howard Adams
Joined: Mon 10 Oct, 2016 15:39
Posts: 57

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by Howard Adams »

Hi, did the replacement caliper rectify the problem, I do hope so.
H
burmagirl
Z Register member
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by burmagirl »

Well my zed went in for its MOT yesterday. This time they picked up on the DSC and brake lights - it's either the CU which controls the sensors or a loose connection - which they let go last year, so that has to be done. Praying for a loose connection!

The front tyres were changed and balanced and that has cured the judder, fortunately, it's all fine now. Thanks for everyone's advice!

Sue
HighSharpe
Joined: Sat 27 Jul, 2013 23:01
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by HighSharpe »

Hello Howard and other members

Just went on a nice 2 hr drive in essex in the sun with the roof down - first roof down drive of the year!

I didnt feel the original issue _even once_ on this drive.

So it seems it was indeed the callipers. Thanks every one for the advice, saved me going off on a wild goose chase!
Howard Adams
Joined: Mon 10 Oct, 2016 15:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by Howard Adams »

Excellent, sounds like you had a good run.
H
Warrior
Joined: Tue 11 May, 2010 10:02
Posts: 497

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by Warrior »

New Caliper and both sets of front pads changed today. Problem sorted.
drummachine
Joined: Sat 11 Jun, 2005 18:21
Posts: 47

  M roadster S50

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by drummachine »

I'm also having this same issue.

About 60-80mph the wheel vibrates every time. But when the car gets warm there is a squeak from the nsf and the vibration gets a lot worse under braking.

Thought this may help as I've just been reading up on it...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... 1&t=799488
wonderloaf
Joined: Mon 02 Aug, 2010 20:55
Posts: 518

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Basingstoke

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by wonderloaf »

Seems to be an epidemic of this going around at the moment, I'm suffering as well. My car was laid up for 6 weeks due to a hip injury, drove it for the first time a couple of weeks ago and also got rough braking and judder at +60 MPH. I was hoping it might just be corrosion on the discs from sitting on the drive and driving it round might gradually clear it, but but two weeks later it is a lot better and the discs are now bright but still got the judder, so maybe a caliper is stuck. Strange thing is that none of the wheels get hot and I jacked each corner up and each wheel rotates freely. A trip to local garage is in order I guess...
2001 Titan Silver 2.2 Sport
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by Brian4 »

It's not only limited to Z3 but all that age of BMW. Probably more often on Z3 as quite a lot are stood idle especially in the wetter months and the corrosion sets in on the piston which expands it's diameter and sticks in the cylinder.

Ours did it couple of years ago so new pistons and seal kit all good again.
Brian
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2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
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wonderloaf
Joined: Mon 02 Aug, 2010 20:55
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Basingstoke

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by wonderloaf »

I thought I would update the thread with the results of my investigations into my brake judder problem just in case anybody who has a similar problem comes across this thread after an internet search...

In my case a simple process of repetitive high speed braking and accelerating seems to have cured the issue, think some people call this the 'Italian Tune Up'.

So, on a quite road road late at night I repeatedly accelerated up to 60 - 70mph then braked sharply down to 10 - 20mph (without activating the ABS), and repeated this 10 times to heat the pads and discs up. Then drove for about 10 minutes without braking to cool them down, and hey presto no more judder!

I was convinced that my problem wasn't caused by a sticky caliper as none of the wheels got hot after driving, the wheels rotated freely when jacked up and the the car braked in a straight line. So overall I'm a happy bunny as this fix was a zero cost and I had a bit fun into the bargain!
2001 Titan Silver 2.2 Sport
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Post by peter2b »

a new caliper sorted out my zed's vibration also the n/s wheel doesn't get warm any more
peterz3
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