31 90... Front axle troubleshooting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

TROUBLESHOOTING FOR STEERING/SHOCK ABSORBERS

Fault	Cause	Remedy
Grinding noise (louder when negotiating bends)	Wheel bearings faulty	Replace wheel bearings
Vibration	Wheel imbalance	Balance wheels
	Radial/lateral rim runout	Check rims, replace if necessary
	Radial tyre runout	Match or replace tyres
Steering-wheel shake	Wheel imbalance	Balance wheels
	Radial/lateral rim runout	Check rims, replace if necessary
	Rubber mount of control arm faulty	Replace control arms
	Ball joint in control arm worn	Replace control arms
	Rubber mount of tension strut faulty	Replace rubber mounts on both tension struts
	Ball joint on tension strut worn	Replace both tension struts
	Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING for steering.
Excessive steering wheel play/steering wheel inclination	Rubber mount of control arm faulty	Replace control arms
	Ball joint in control arm worn	Replace control arms
	Rubber mount of tension strut faulty	Replace rubber mounts on both tension struts
	Ball joint on tension strut worn	Replace both tension struts
	Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING for steering.
Rattling noise	Bolts for reinforcement plate loose	Tighten down bolts (refer to REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REINFORCEMENT PLATE )
	Bolts for front axle carrier to engine carrier loose	Replace bolts (refer to Lowering front axle carrier )
	Bolt for spring strut to swivel bearing loose	Replace bolt & nut (refer to Removing and installing front spring strut )
	Ball joint in control arm worn	Replace control arms
	Ball joint on tension strut worn	Replace both tension struts
	Rubber mounts for stabilizer bar bracket faulty	Replace both rubber mounts of stabilizer bar bracket
	Ball joints on stabilizer link(s) worn	Replace both stabilizer links
Excessive tyre wear	Front or rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted	Check suspension components for damage; if necessary, carry out chassis/wheel alignment check . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT article.