So what the hell is this problem????

[91e30181]

Ok, so I sold my last E30 because of this unsolveable mystery problem. Then I just bought another that of course has the problem as well. I know I didnt buy the only 2 E30's that do this. Ive had all kinds of advice on how to fix the last one and none of it worked (I REPLACED EVERYTHING!). So check it out...when Im coming up to a stop and hit the brakes, sometimes (not always) the steering wheel will move/shake like it has warped rotors, but much slower and there is more side to side travel too. There is also a clunking in the steering column. Its not a deep clunking sound, but almost like a click that you can also feel that is brought on by bumps. Im not willing to go through what I did with the last one and get fed up with it to the point where I sell it, so anything helpful would be greatly appreciated. And no, I dont really spend any time on these forums, but it doesnt mean I dont love these cars.....help a brotha out! Thanks!

[ethirdy]

Ok, so I sold my last E30 because of this unsolveable mystery problem. Then I just bought another that of course has the problem as well. I know I didnt buy the only 2 E30's that do this. Ive had all kinds of advice on how to fix the last one and none of it worked (I REPLACED EVERYTHING!). So check it out...when Im coming up to a stop and hit the brakes, sometimes (not always) the steering wheel will move/shake like it has warped rotors, but much slower and there is more side to side travel too. There is also a clunking in the steering column. Its not a deep clunking sound, but almost like a click that you can also feel that is brought on by bumps. Im not willing to go through what I did with the last one and get fed up with it to the point where I sell it, so anything helpful would be greatly appreciated. And no, I dont really spend any time on these forums, but it doesnt mean I dont love these cars.....help a brotha out! Thanks!

Front strut mounts? Bad tie rods? Sounds like something in the front end isn't right. Same wheels from one to the next, or two different sets of wheels? Check to make sure the wheel is sitting flush with the hub, and torqued evenly at all four (i use 90 lbft)

[BimmerTom]

I had the same problem on mine, even after replacing the lollipop bushing with a new stock one.

Only after going to a solid delrin bushing did it stop. I would assume if I ran a solid rubber M3 bushing would have solved it as well, but I took my E30 off the street and have been building it to auto-x and track specs.

Maybe a thought...

Tom

[91e30181]

My last one got all of the above replaced/inspected. Heres the rundown of what the last one was and what I had replaced trying to correct this ridiculous problem. Old:91 318i....New 91 318is


Replaced springs & struts & mounts
tie rods & ends
steering rack
front bearings
control arms
front rotors
alignment
tires balanced, then even swapped out for new
tightened bolt under steering column
_None of these worked and Im not doing it again_
HELP!!!!!

[StereoInstaller1]

AKG urethane control arm bushings.

$50 and an hours work, done.

Won't fix the clunk, that is likely strut bearings or some shit, but it will (99% of the time) fix the brake shudder.

[91e30181]

When I put the new control arms in the last one, it had urethane bushings in it. And of course that didnt work. Thanks for all the suggestions guys

[91e30181]

And I dont follow how replacing the delrin would fix this problem

[StereoInstaller1]

When I put the new control arms in the last one, it had urethane bushings in it. And of course that didnt work. Thanks for all the suggestions guys

Of course now, given your response, I read your initial post more carefully.

Typically, brake shudder is far quicker than you describe. You seem to be talking about a MUCH slower vibration/resonance thing. I am really curious to hear what it is!

What wheel/tire combo?

[Motorsports]

When you changed the steering rack in your previous E30. Did you change the knuckle that connects the steering column to the steering rack? raise up your car and check to see if this one has any play.

[91e30181]

Stock basketweaves on brand new michelins. Like bought yesterday michelins. Did it on the others that werent really worn too

[91e30181]

The last one had some play in the steering shaft, but this one doesnt seem to have any. If you think this is tricky to figure out, imagine it being your car! I dont wanna have to sell another perfectly good E30 because I have no patience and Im not rich...that would suck

[StereoInstaller1]

Dude, it really sounds like you have been through the wringer on this...now to get it on your next car, DAMN!

My "Automotive Albatross" is windshields. Every car I get has a shitty windshield...even the ones with really nice fresh windshields get broken within a month.

Your issue is 900% worse than mine.

Do keep up posted. Have you gone to the dealer yet? You might ask them for a guaranteed diagnosis...every tech in every dealership is slow as hell right now, if you believe some of the posts. Might be a well spent $100!

Luke

[Van Westervelt]

80% of the time its your ball joints (Control Arms & Tie Rods) or control arm bushings. 15% of the time it can be the play in your steering knuckle. 5% I would say your strut bearing etc.

Those are the only two items I have ever seen cause a slow intermittent vibration. Brakes will vibrate nearly every time you apply them.

Keep us updated. Good luck.

[NOMAD]

bad steering knuckle rubber disk? It's like a small guibo?

[91e30181]

The steering shaft and or guibo is the only area in this untouched, but I dont think thats the prob...could be though. Normal thinking would point immediately to replacing the control arms/ball joints/tie rods. Thats the first thing I did last time. When that didnt work I went to a new rack and got 3 bad ones in a row!!! After that, it wouldnt align even though it was just fine prior to that. I just want to do my research and fine someone who has been down this road before and actually got an anwer. And I can relate to the windshield problem because I cant ever have a car without squeaky brakes or one that doesnt have some kind of shake or vibration. Its literally every friggin one!