31 90... Front axle troubleshooting
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Follow troubleshooting for steering/shock absorbers . See 31 90... Troubleshooting shock absorber or 32 90... TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING .
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
| Fault | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding noise (louder when negotiating bends) | Wheel bearings faulty | Replace wheel bearings |
| Vibration | Wheel imbalance | Balance wheels . See 36 10 508 STATIONARY WHEEL BALANCING . |
| Radial/lateral rim runout | Check rims , replace if necessary | |
| Radial tire runout | Match or replace tires | |
| Steering-wheel shake | Wheel imbalance | Balance wheels . See 36 10 508 STATIONARY WHEEL BALANCING . |
| 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 | Replac2e both stabilizer links | |
| Excessive tire wear | Front or rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted | Check suspension components for damage; if necessary, carry out chassis/wheel alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD . |