Steering shake

[swansea v6]

My 318ti compact has always had a slight shake in the steering when going over a bump, or slowing down quickly. I have checked the discs aren't warped and no leaks from the power steering. So it leaves the suspension? Where should be my first pointto check? My bro works for a large motor factors and has picked me up the front drop links and wishbone arms, which we will change ASAP. But is there anything else I should change or check while doing the job??

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Anti-roll bar bushes and drop links? (not sure the 318 has them but just a thought).

[bababa]

Presuming the E36 Compact has the same front suspension at the Saloon or Coupe, I would suggest checking the rear bushes of the front wishbones.

The standard items are rubber and can introduce these sort of wobbles and vibrations when they are badly worn.

You can test by parking on a level surface, placing your hand on the top of each front tyre and rocking the wheel briskly from front to back in the wheelarch. There may be a small amount of movement (that's the point of the bush!) but excessive movement may indicate a worn bush...

Additionally, make sure the replacement suspension components are of OEM quality (e.g. BMW OE or Lemforder). I've read of cases on this forum where the cheapest ones can sometimes last literally less than a week!

Edited by bababa on Monday 12th December 16:56

[swansea v6]

Cheers for the replies, think I will replace all the bushes as I have been told they wear quite quick on the E36

[8Tech]

That certainly sounds like the wishbone rear bushes. There are lots of cheap rubbish out there to replace them but I would opt for the Powerflex urethane bushes, they are warranted for life and work like a bearing rather than a twisty rubber bush.

Call Powerflex or look on the "bay", plenty on there and some ready fitted in housings for a 15 min DIY job.

8Tech.