33 90... Rear axle troubleshooting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Observe TROUBLESHOOTING FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS .

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Fault	Cause	Remedy
Grinding noise (only when cornering)	Refer to troubleshooting brake system
Grinding noise (only when cornering)	Wheel bearings faulty	Replace WHEEL BEARINGS
Vibration (90 - 160 km/h)	Wheel imbalance	Balance WHEELS
	Radial/lateral rim runout	Check rims, replace if necessary. See CHECKING RIM FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT , CHANGING A TIRE (ON FRONT, REAR OR SPARE WHEEL) , and REPLACING A RUNFLAT TIRE OR A UHP TIRE .
	Radial tire runout	Match or replace tires. See CHECKING FRONT AND REAR WHEEL FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT , CHECKING ONE ROAD WHEEL ON BALANCING MACHINE FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT (WHEEL REMOVED) , CHANGING A TIRE (ON FRONT, REAR OR SPARE WHEEL) , and REPLACING A RUNFLAT TIRE OR A UHP TIRE .
	Imbalance in output shaft	Replace output shaft. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT and REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Drumming	Rubber mount of final drive suspension faulty	Replace rubber mount. See REPLACING ALL FRONT RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING and REPLACING RUBBER MOUNT FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING AT REAR .
Drumming	Rubber mount of rear axle carrier faulty	Replace RUBBER MOUNT
Rattling noise	Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS .
	Stabilizer link loose or defective	Check screw connection, replace STABILIZER LINK if necessary
	Rubber mount of rear axle carrier loose or faulty	Check seat, replace RUBBER MOUNT if necessary
Poor straight-running stability (steering wheel inclination)	Rubber mount of rear axle carrier faulty	Replace RUBBER MOUNT
	Rubber mount/ball joint of control or guide arm faulty	Replace control or guide arm. See REPLACING ONE UPPER CONTROL ARM and REPLACING A GUIDE ARM .
	Ball joint in wheel carrier faulty	Replace BALL JOINT
	Rubber mount of swinging arm faulty	Replace SWINGING ARM
	Rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted	Carry out chassis/wheel alignment check, align rear axle if necessary. See KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Unsteady taking of curves due to self-steering or poor rear end track stability	Rubber mount of rear axle carrier faulty	Replace RUBBER MOUNT
	Rubber mount of final drive suspension faulty	Replace rubber mount. See REPLACING ALL FRONT RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING and REPLACING RUBBER MOUNT FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING AT REAR .
	Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS .
Excessive tire wear	Front or rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted	Carry out chassis/wheel alignment check, align rear axle if necessary. See KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .