Getting kind of a shaking/shudder at speed

[Jand3rson]

In the last few weeks, I've noticed that at around 45-50 mph, I start to get a very rythmic shaking (not violent or anything) in the car, and it feels like it's coming from the front. With more speed, it turns to more of a steady vibration. Now it's not the driveshaft, this is very different, and not a vibration like the drivehsaft causes. It's also not rev-related, just speed. I thought maybe it was the bottlecaps I was on, but I'm on weaves now, and it's still there.

What I do know is the following: I know the car needs an alignment, and it's probably pretty bad, since I didn't have it done after I installed the suspension, and when I had my car towed a few months ago after it's little driveshaft hiccup, they had to hook the chains up around the control arms, and I was told by the driver that this will sometimes put the car out of alignment. And I haven't really road-tested this, but I have noticed it pulling to one side, sometimes. Another thing I know of is that my control arm ball joints are on their way out, and the tie-rod may be as well. Could any of these things be causing the issue, or could it maybe be something else I'm not aware of?

[arsevader]

In the last few weeks, I've noticed that at around 45-50 mph, I start to get a very rythmic shaking (not violent or anything) in the car, and it feels like it's coming from the front.

What I do know is the following: I know the car needs an alignment, and it's probably pretty bad,

Another thing I know of is that my control arm ball joints are on their way out, and the tie-rod may be as well.

I think you've answered your own questions there. ;)

All of the above could cause your problems.

- James

[Jand3rson]

I figured, I just wanted to see if you guys thinking along the same lines.

[JeffG]

tow hooks bend arms easily when so much stress is put on them. kinda funny, when my e30 was towed out of the mountains, guy said he'd only pull it up on the truck with hooks on the arms or not at all. i just went ahead and replaced everything in the front end pretty much. like mentioned before, so many of the above statements you made are the likely causes of your problems josh.

[Jand3rson]

tow hooks bend arms easily when so much stress is put on them. kinda funny, when my e30 was towed out of the mountains, guy said he'd only pull it up on the truck with hooks on the arms or not at all. i just went ahead and replaced everything in the front end pretty much. like mentioned before, so many of the above statements you made are the likely causes of your problems josh.

Thanks, Jeff. New control arms and CAB's are on the list for sure, prolly right after I buy my tires for my new rims.

[delatlanta1281]

Yeah I agree, I isn't a "MUST" to get your car aligned after adding a suspension, I didn't do it for a year after I added mine and there were no wear issues.... BUT if a freaking tow truck driver hook chains up to your control arms you should shoot him on sight. Or even worse your tie rods. now you need to check your entire lower fron suspension..... you may wanna chek the bearings too.

[Jand3rson]

Yeah I agree, I isn't a "MUST" to get your car aligned after adding a suspension, I didn't do it for a year after I added mine and there were no wear issues.... BUT if a freaking tow truck driver hook chains up to your control arms you should shoot him on sight. Or even worse your tie rods. now you need to check your entire lower fron suspension..... you may wanna chek the bearings too.

He had to, I didn't have my tow hook with me, and he couldn't find anywhere else to hook up to. :(

[delatlanta1281]

:( Sux! Sorry man.....

[Jand3rson]

:( Sux! Sorry man.....

Eh, it's no big deal. At the time, new control arms and CAB's were on my list of shit to do, anyway.

New arms with OEM offset M3 CAB's are soon to be installed. So it's all gravy.

[AdironRider]

Youll love the m3 cabs for sure.

[delatlanta1281]

Yes you will!

[Jand3rson]

Youll love the m3 cabs for sure.

So I'm told. Anything is going to be a vast improvement over the well-used components that are in there now, that's for sure. :D

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

I was told by an E30 technician that shaking and shuddering at 45-55mph is CABs.

[Kip]

Have same shudder at speed, all is tight except CAB's.

Trying to figure if I will get new CA's and CAB's, or attempt an on the car CAB replacement. If only I had an extra set of CAB brackets, I would get bushins into brackets, then use homemade CAB tool to press onto CA.

At least, learned a lot about what NOT to do last time I did this.

[Jand3rson]

I was told by an E30 technician that shaking and shuddering at 45-55mph is CABs.

I was recently told the same by a mechanic friend who owns a BMW/Merc/Land Rover shop.

Have same shudder at speed, all is tight except CAB's.

Trying to figure if I will get new CA's and CAB's, or attempt an on the car CAB replacement. If only I had an extra set of CAB brackets, I would get bushins into brackets, then use homemade CAB tool to press onto CA.

I've got a spare set of CAB brackets, so the job should go pretty quickly when I do mine. I just need to order my new arms, I've already got the offset M3 CAB's lined up for a sweet deal.