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Vibration from front?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 BMW Z4
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
I bought this car with a top issue, but got that fixed, Tires look new at first glimpse, no check engine light, no engine issue. Took it for a drive and shifts fine but there is a vibration up front, not in the steering, starts around 25 and up. Would wheels be the first suspect? Could a bad tire also cause that? No shimming when braking, suspension is tight, I checked control arms by hitting the brakes hard and steering didn't go to one side.
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Monday, January 29th, 2024 AT 4:54 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I would think if it was a tire, wheel, or something related to either of those, you would feel it in the steering as well. Often, if the vibration is felt in the floor or seat, it is one of the rear tires. What makes you say it's from the front? Do you feel it in the brakes?

Do me a favor. After driving the vehicle a few miles, get out and see if there is excessive heat from either wheel. You may have a brake hanging up and overheating.

Also, yes, it could be a wheel, tire, bearing, and so on. Let me know if you hear any odd sounds or notice any odors.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, January 29th, 2024 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Checked tire pressure and one on front had 12.9 the other 22, rear were 24 each. So, all were out. Inflated all and will see hopefully that was it.
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 AT 6:13 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Wow, that is a problem. LOL Make sure the tires are worn evenly and have not shifted belts.

Let me know if this resolves the issue.

Take care,

joe
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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  • 1,291 POSTS
Balanced the wheels myself and placed the front wheels on rear. Way better now, only does vibrate some when I hit it heard at 60mph, am thinking it's in the drive train, maybe the flex disc.
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Anything is possible. However, since you eliminated a lot of the vibration with what you've done, I suspect it may still be one of the wheels or tires. When you balanced them, did you inspect the tires for a bent rim, shifted belts, or uneven tire wear?

Also, when you are feeling it now, do you notice it in the steering wheel, or does it seem to be in the floor and seat of the vehicle?

Joe
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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  • 1,291 POSTS
Tires are different brands, but all around 50-60% and no obvious wear that can cause this thing. Didn't see any indication of a bent rim. I feel it in steering and in floor.
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Monday, February 5th, 2024 AT 4:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

If you are feeling it in the steering, the tires are balanced, there are no indications of tire or rim damage, then we need to suspect something with an axle joint. Are any of the CV boots leaking?

Take a look at this link and let me know your thoughts:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, February 5th, 2024 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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No CV up front it's a rear wheel drive.
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Monday, February 5th, 2024 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
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Sorry about that. I'm thinking AWD. Have you checked to make sure there aren't any issues with the driveshaft? There is a rubber flex coupler that could be faulty and causing this. See pic below.

Check to see if there is evidence of cracking or play. There is a coupler at both the front and rear of the drive shaft.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Yes, that's what I thought. But I haven't checked it yet. Once I rotated the wheels and reassured me the tire pressure was exactly where it is now it drives hardly any good, but I'll still check it out. Thank you
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Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 AT 4:48 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Sounds like a plan. When you check them, look for any cracks or damage to the coupler. They can cause a vibration when they fail.

Take care of yourself.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 AT 3:52 PM

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