Hi All-
I've got a e46 330ci coupe with 114k miles which has developed a strange and intermittent frond end vibration at highway speed (55+).
Symptoms:
-Vibration and shake in the steering wheel which varies in intensity when going over 55-60mph. Changes and smoothes out at certain speeds. Some days the shake is barely noticible, other times it literally feels like a wheel is loose.
-Play in both wheels when shaken with front end off of the ground. Passenger side is worse.
-Popping sound from front end when turning (in either direction) and applying brakes at slow speeds - ie. pulling into/out of a parking space. Noticible metallic "pop" as you stop to change direction if that makes sense.
-Steering is crisp & tight, car does not shake/feel loose under braking.
Here's what I've done so far:
-Balanced tires (2 times, different shops), cleaned all wheel hubs and properly torqued wheels.
-Inspected front end suspension parts: car has recent Meyle HD CABs and I have not found any visible play in the control arm ball joints or tie rods.
-Replaced steering shaft flex joint/guibo.
-Replaced front brake pads, rotors, guide pin bushings and bled brakes thoroughly. Calipers are in good condition and not sticking.
Could this be bad front wheel bearings? I would'nt think they would cause this much vibration/shaking but I guess it is possible. Are control arms still not out of the question even if they have no visible play that I've found?
Appreciate any second opinions before I start throwing money at the problem.
I've got a e46 330ci coupe with 114k miles which has developed a strange and intermittent frond end vibration at highway speed (55+).
Symptoms:
-Vibration and shake in the steering wheel which varies in intensity when going over 55-60mph. Changes and smoothes out at certain speeds. Some days the shake is barely noticible, other times it literally feels like a wheel is loose.
-Play in both wheels when shaken with front end off of the ground. Passenger side is worse.
-Popping sound from front end when turning (in either direction) and applying brakes at slow speeds - ie. pulling into/out of a parking space. Noticible metallic "pop" as you stop to change direction if that makes sense.
-Steering is crisp & tight, car does not shake/feel loose under braking.
Here's what I've done so far:
-Balanced tires (2 times, different shops), cleaned all wheel hubs and properly torqued wheels.
-Inspected front end suspension parts: car has recent Meyle HD CABs and I have not found any visible play in the control arm ball joints or tie rods.
-Replaced steering shaft flex joint/guibo.
-Replaced front brake pads, rotors, guide pin bushings and bled brakes thoroughly. Calipers are in good condition and not sticking.
Could this be bad front wheel bearings? I would'nt think they would cause this much vibration/shaking but I guess it is possible. Are control arms still not out of the question even if they have no visible play that I've found?
Appreciate any second opinions before I start throwing money at the problem.