Vibrations and wobbling.

Long story short. Ive got a 2003 330xi, i recently replaced the drivers side front hub assembly, shock , and shock mount/"hat". I noticed when changing it that my axels cv joint boot was ripped but had no time or funds to change the axel at the moment. Now when i drive, at slow speeds and while stopped id i turn the wheel there is an awfully loud creaking/ clicking sound. It was not so loud at first but as the weeks went on it is now very loud and noticeable. I was told many things but is it possible that this noise is from the hub being the wrong one? Its from a 2003 325xi. The manufacturing date is unknown. Symptoms are vibration when braking, the "wobble" effect when driving like my wheel is shaped like an egg. The creaking/ clicking noise when stopped or turning slowly.

And..??

Cool story bro.

My bad i hit post when i wasn't supposed to lol. Im traveling on a bumpy road right now. I refined my story haha

That's better...LOL.
The creaking/clicking is your CV joint(s)-Shot.
The wobbling is probably the FCABs.

As far as I know, the hubs are the same. I'm assuming you mean part 5 (31201096423) from this diagram:
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...64&hg=31&fg=10

If yes the hubs are the same:

Part 31201096423 (DRIVE FLANGE) was found on the following vehicles:

E46: Details on E46
E46 325xi Sedan
E46 325xi Touring
E46 330xi Sedan

Other than that, I agree with Rickna's diagnosis.

Lastly, why in the world are you posting on here while driving on a bumpy road?

Im in a car as a passenger going on a back road trip, roads are horrible right now haha. I replaced the whole carrier, i got it offline as one whole assembly. It was the hub, kingpin, bearing etc. off a 325xi which i was told was the same exact part as a 330xi. Ok so even if i got the old part there should be no change in the hub. But could something from the whole carrier being different be throwing something off?

Originally Posted by SlimE46

Im in a car as a passenger going on a back road trip, roads are horrible right now haha. I replaced the whole carrier, i got it offline as one whole assembly. It was the hub, kingpin, bearing etc. off a 325xi which i was told was the same exact part as a 330xi. Ok so even if i got the old part there should be no change in the hub. But could something from the whole carrier being different be throwing something off?

Doubt the carrier and hub would make any difference as it's not a rotating assembly. The only thing could be if you installed the bearing incorrectly. If everything has been installed properly, I'm guessing most of your vibration issues are caused by the axle being bad and likely some suspension issues as well. Check ball joints for play, upper strut mounts for play, loose sway bar links and bushings, etc... Basically get under the car and start shaking things till you find something that moves and it shouldn't.

Its not the hub, you tripping! !

Change axle with GKN Loebro Only!!!!!!!!!

. I've found these shafts on both pelicanparts.com and RMEuropean.com for about $280.

Change control arm if still vibrating after axle replacement!!!


I'm %100 that axle is the biggest issue with this AWD front axle!

A lot loose feeling! You can actually tell that the axle is loose inside the differential causing weird handling and vibrations due axle movement on the differential thread not holding the "Aftermarket axle " don't ask me y bra.

If they oem and not making click click sound like there dry, Send them to have the boot repaired and re greased.

GL

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Bimmer App

Probably left your axle nut a bit loose or perhaps it didn't seat all the way in the diff. I have a 330xi spindle on my 325xi, no issues

I never removed the axel from the diff. But i had a really hard time getting the axel back into the new hub because i did not have a puller so once i got the threads far enough in i put the nut on and hit it with an impact wrench to force it the rest of the way... And here comes the "flameage"... Now that i think about it i re used the old nut saying to myself "ill get a new one tomorrow" and never did... Just bought a new one and im going to attempt to install it while doing my oil change. Ill report back soon... Smh

you can reuse the nutts, just make sure they are secured down (pry the little metal tab in, etc).

Realized that i don't have the right style socket for the axel nut so ill do it at work tomorrow. The threads look very close to the brim of the nut so i think it may in fact have backed out a bit. O well we will see tomorrow i guess. Thanks everyone for the help

Ok so i finally found some time to look at it. Me and a bmw tech found that the shock i had replaced is missing the washers that go under the top bolt where the strut goes into the strut hat. So when i turn the wheel the strut is trying to turn but the bolt is touching metal to metal thus makin the sound.

I havent had time to take a really good look but do i have to take the whole strut apart and put the washers in and pop it back in or can i pop out the bolt while its still installed in the car and put the washers and close it all back up??

Originally Posted by SlimE46

I havent had time to take a really good look but do i have to take the whole strut apart and put the washers in and pop it back in or can i pop out the bolt while its still installed in the car and put the washers and close it all back up??

Take the whole thing out. I wouldn't disassemble a strut while still attached to the car...

Originally Posted by SamDoe1

Take the whole thing out. I wouldn't disassemble a strut while still attached to the car...

+1 Unlees you want body parts in orbit...