Steering wheel wobble under breaking and screeching.

[JimmySpeed]

[quote=""Dan1502""]Thanks. As far as I recall it has done this pretty much since I bought it. It's not that bad but is there so I should get it sorted. Is this kind of thing likely to be covered by warranty or classed as where and tear and does the warranty situation differ depending if it turns out to be brakes or suspension? Bear in mind it has only done about 19,000 miles despite being a 2004 car.[/quote]

If its a suspension bush or ball joint, its wear & tear, but at 19k it shouldn't be worn yet.

If its a brake disc warp or sticky caliper, its probably a fault. BUT it all depends on the wording of your policy, some companies are so slimey they have a clause to wriggle out of everything. Who is your warranty with?

[Dan1502]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. It's a BMW main dealer warranty and as it was bought in January this year it's still the 1 initial one year rather than an extension I've paid for myself. I'm just wary of taking it to the main dealer to find loads of work on the clock at their prices that isn't covered by warranty.

[JimmySpeed]

If its main delaer you'd be covered either way

[Dan1502]

Warranty booklet does list "brake and clutch facings, discs and drums" under items not covered. It also mentions wear and tear due to mileage and/or age. There's an indy near me that is owned by a group that also owns a main dealer so I might get in touch with them as they might be prepared to check the discs, do them if necessary but if something else that is covered by warranty, put it through the main dealer. It still worries me a little as all involved will want to get work.

[JimmySpeed]

I would go straight to a dealer m8, I have seen reports on BMW forums of numerous warped discs done under warranty. The bushes/etc should also get done under warranty - the BMW AUC warranty is one of the best there is AFAIK.

Besides, anything not warranted they would tell you before actually fixing it that there will be a charge of x amount, but I don't think in your case that you have anything to worry about.

[Dan1502]

Ok, thanks. I'll give them a call and tell them I want to be notified of any chargeable work before work is started.

[AW8]

[quote=""Dan1502""]Is it simple to check if it's the discs? [/quote]

If you place edge of a steel ruler across face of disc in various places you may be able to see variations on the outer face.

Failing that you would need to use a dial out gauge. I doubt you will have access to one so it's a job for a pro though do consider the labour cost versus cost to swap out. Another bmw enthusiast has outlined the procedure for using same here

[Smeeagain]

I have also had the problem with a wobble under braking at around 60mph then it goes away. Warped discs have been checked and ruled out (discs and pads were replaced around 6 months ago). Wheel balance has been checked and ruled out. It passed the MOT fine and several folk, including BMW, have looked at it and found nothing

A local independent tyre/brake/exhaust company looked at it - they said that they were '99%' sure that it was the 'suspension tension strut'. They demonstrated this by putting the car on the ramp and then getting a crowbar in behind the arm and leveraged (I think) against the subframe. This then showed 'play' with the wheel/brake assembly rocking back and forth indicating worn bushes at either end of the arm

The logic stands up for me , and I haven't yet booked it in to them on anywhere else, as I will want a verified second opinion, however by the very fact that they were leveraging the suspension arm would the wheel not have rocked back and forth anyway ?

Smee

[StewieG]

[quote=""smeeagain""]I have also had the problem with a wobble under braking at around 60mph then it goes away. Warped discs have been checked and ruled out (discs and pads were replaced around 6 months ago). Wheel balance has been checked and ruled out. It passed the MOT fine and several folk, including BMW, have looked at it and found nothing

A local independent tyre/brake/exhaust company looked at it - they said that they were '99%' sure that it was the 'suspension tension strut'. They demonstrated this by putting the car on the ramp and then getting a crowbar in behind the arm and leveraged (I think) against the subframe. This then showed 'play' with the wheel/brake assembly rocking back and forth indicating worn bushes at either end of the arm

The logic stands up for me , and I haven't yet booked it in to them on anywhere else, as I will want a verified second opinion, however by the very fact that they were leveraging the suspension arm would the wheel not have rocked back and forth anyway ?

Smee[/quote]


So what was the outcome on this? did you get it sorted?

[Smeeagain]

No I only posted the question two days ago - no responses yet

[AW8]

My money would have been on thrust bushes..known to let go at 60k intervals or a bit less.

[Smeeagain]

Thrust bushes. Interesting. A new one on me. Where are they located - can the bush itself be replaced ? It is it part of another assembly ?

Smee