E46 330i wheel judder
Discussion
Hi guys,
Unusual set of symptons that I can't seem to diagnose a problem for.
When above 50mph, ocasionally there is a bit of judder which appears to be coming from the front right wheel. It doesn't happen all the time above 50mph and ocasionally starts at 60-70mph. If I ease off the throttle it gets worse for a bit until the car slows then it stops again below 50'ish.
The other thing I noticed is that quite often when rolling to a stop (with light braking or no braking at all) that after the car comes to a rest the front right corner drops. Then when I move off the front right corner picks up again - kind of like stopping in a shallow pothole and then climbing out of it again. This happens on completely smooth road but again doesn't happen at every stop. I generally don't notice it if I brake more sharply.
Tyre pressures and conditions are all fine and I haven't changed any parts which suddenly brought on the symptons - they just started suddenly. The car drives straight and the wheels were alligned not so long ago (previous owner, I'd have to check service history to get date).
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Unusual set of symptons that I can't seem to diagnose a problem for.
When above 50mph, ocasionally there is a bit of judder which appears to be coming from the front right wheel. It doesn't happen all the time above 50mph and ocasionally starts at 60-70mph. If I ease off the throttle it gets worse for a bit until the car slows then it stops again below 50'ish.
The other thing I noticed is that quite often when rolling to a stop (with light braking or no braking at all) that after the car comes to a rest the front right corner drops. Then when I move off the front right corner picks up again - kind of like stopping in a shallow pothole and then climbing out of it again. This happens on completely smooth road but again doesn't happen at every stop. I generally don't notice it if I brake more sharply.
Tyre pressures and conditions are all fine and I haven't changed any parts which suddenly brought on the symptons - they just started suddenly. The car drives straight and the wheels were alligned not so long ago (previous owner, I'd have to check service history to get date).
Any advice would be much appreciated!
FurtiveFreddy said:
After a drive, feel the temperature of each wheel rim.
If one is noticeably hotter than the others, you have a binding caliper which often causes the sort of judder you're describing.
If it's not that, it could be suspension related.
Yup, this was the case with my e46.If one is noticeably hotter than the others, you have a binding caliper which often causes the sort of judder you're describing.
If it's not that, it could be suspension related.
The e46 is quite sensitive to wheel imbalance and tyre force variation too, but the sticking brake is a good place to start!
FurtiveFreddy said:
After a drive, feel the temperature of each wheel rim.
If one is noticeably hotter than the others, you have a binding caliper which often causes the sort of judder you're describing.
If it's not that, it could be suspension related.
That would be my first thought as well.If one is noticeably hotter than the others, you have a binding caliper which often causes the sort of judder you're describing.
If it's not that, it could be suspension related.
As others have said
The suspension components up front all need a good check over as do the brakes. And, if when after some spirited driving, one alloy is hotter than the other, you've got a sticky caliper and it needs to be replaced.
May as well do both, IMO, then you've balanced brakes up front, someone like Brakes International or your local motorfactors should be able to to sort you easy enough; there'll be a surcharge added so you need to return your original calipers to them to get this back also
But, front arms/bushes, inner tie rods and track rod ends can cause similar issues too, so this all needs a good look over
The suspension components up front all need a good check over as do the brakes. And, if when after some spirited driving, one alloy is hotter than the other, you've got a sticky caliper and it needs to be replaced.
May as well do both, IMO, then you've balanced brakes up front, someone like Brakes International or your local motorfactors should be able to to sort you easy enough; there'll be a surcharge added so you need to return your original calipers to them to get this back also
But, front arms/bushes, inner tie rods and track rod ends can cause similar issues too, so this all needs a good look over
Car; e46 2002 330ci sport manual
Had something similar recently, found tie rod slightly worn at the balljoint and also on same corner the brake was sticking on ...took Pads our wound piston in & out a few times and cleaned up and copper slipped all the pad related faces on the Caliper & Caliper carrier. all good now & also getting 37mpg rather than 33/34mpg when I drive like a granny on 20mile (each way) commute
Had something similar recently, found tie rod slightly worn at the balljoint and also on same corner the brake was sticking on ...took Pads our wound piston in & out a few times and cleaned up and copper slipped all the pad related faces on the Caliper & Caliper carrier. all good now & also getting 37mpg rather than 33/34mpg when I drive like a granny on 20mile (each way) commute
So thought I would update and also scrounge for some extra advice.
I took the brake calliper off, cleaned it and the sliders up, regreased etc. It drove fine for a while, no sticking but then appeared about a week later. So reading up I assumed it would be a sticky piston as it's a common fault. I bought a refurb kit, fitted it. Once again the car drove fine for a week or just over. Once again though the brake is sticking!
Would it be worthwhile replacing the entire calliper? When I took the old piston out it didn't show any signs of rust, wear or tear.
The front right is definitely sticking and causing the judder.
I took the brake calliper off, cleaned it and the sliders up, regreased etc. It drove fine for a while, no sticking but then appeared about a week later. So reading up I assumed it would be a sticky piston as it's a common fault. I bought a refurb kit, fitted it. Once again the car drove fine for a week or just over. Once again though the brake is sticking!
Would it be worthwhile replacing the entire calliper? When I took the old piston out it didn't show any signs of rust, wear or tear.
The front right is definitely sticking and causing the judder.
E46's are now old enough to have faulty flexible hoses that are healing up inside. This means fluid comes though okay under pedal pressure but cannot fully return. This holds the brake on slightly, causing overheating. I'd replace both fronts and see how you get on. They're only eight quid each from ECP or GSF.
Be careful undoing the union where the steel pipe fits - a proper brake pipe spanner and WD40 are essential.
Be careful undoing the union where the steel pipe fits - a proper brake pipe spanner and WD40 are essential.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff