Wheel vibration

[pogo]

I have a 1989 740td and I have a vibration on the front wheels I have checked the brakes and they are ok. The tracking is ok as well. The other thing is that on the near side wheel the outer edge of the tyre is being rubbed off. Dont know whtat to look at next.
Any one had this problem before ? if so any help would be great.
All the best Andy

Andy, is this vibration during braking or at certain speeds?Vibration through the whole car during braking would probably mean your rear discs are distorted and need renewing. If the vibration is felt through the steering wheel on braking (shimmying)then the front discs are the culprits.
If the vibration is at certain speeds or through a range of speeds you're looking at wheel imbalance (most likely if there are no other symptoms)or tyre/wheel damage, loose/broken suspension.

As Beardy Rich suggests, after ruling out the brakes and tracking it could quite possibly be something to do with the suspension. It could just be that the bushes are worn and need replacing.

Andy

[Peter Milnes]

What about the wheel bearing? Let me know what you find is the cause as mine is also wearing the left hand front tyre outer badly.

All the best, Peter

If it was the wheel bearing then there'd probably be a whineing sound when the car is in motion.

To check the bearings jack the car up and see if there's any free play by trying to wobble the wheel.

Good luck

Andy

You can also check your front wheel bearings by jacking the car up at the front, then spinning the wheel quite quickly whilst grasping the front suspension spring. You'll feel any vibration through the spring. Remember, when rocking the wheel in and out, as suggested by Andy in the above post, slight movement relative to the stub axle is permitted.

Sorry yes, I should have said excessive free play.

I've never thought of that one before Beardy. I'll have to give that one a go next time I want to check bearings.

Andy

[pogo]

thanks for all of them. Whilst doing brakes I have checked wheel bearing and there looks to be no play in them. Looked at bushes and these seem to be cracked on the rubber. Next stop is to find out cost of new rubber and also to get tyres checked again.
Vibration is there all the time but get worst at about 30 mph and will then go donw.
Will let all know what I find but I am on nights over weekend.
Thank you to all
All the best Andy

[Peter Milnes]

The fact that the vibration peaks at around 30mph is indicative of front wheel imbalance possibly due to "bruise" on inside wall of tyre, or wheel being "kerbed", or rim bent or buckled.

All the best, Peter