Steering column shudder on braking

[ElNormo]

For the past few months, I've occasionally noticed a shudder from the steering column when I apply the brakes. It's not every time, typically when I'm coming to a red light after travelling 30-50 MPH. The shudder is quite audible, and the steering wheel moves around slightly.

It feels exactly like a brake pedal does when the brakes are warped. Only in the steering wheel :)

Interestingly, it always goes away if I briefly let off the brakes and re-apply them.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Norman

[bubba966]

That sounds like your thrust bushings (upper control arm) are shot.

And if your thrust bushings are that bad there's a good possibility the thrust arms need replacing as well.

[gmannino]

I have a similar symptom occurring on my car and my car only does it while braking. A previous visual inspection revealed no torn, broken, or damaged bushings. Is there a way to test them while still on the car?

Could this symptom also be attributed to warped rotors or brake pads in need of being changed?

[genphreak]

I have a similar symptom occurring on my car and my car only does it while braking. A previous visual inspection revealed no torn, broken, or damaged bushings. Is there a way to test them while still on the car?

Could this symptom also be attributed to warped rotors or brake pads in need of being changed? Change the Pads and rotors to know. Or the busings. If problem persists- its the other ;)

[mamilapon]

For the past few months, I've occasionally noticed a shudder from the steering column when I apply the brakes. It's not every time, typically when I'm coming to a red light after travelling 30-50 MPH. The shudder is quite audible, and the steering wheel moves around slightly.

It feels exactly like a brake pedal does when the brakes are warped. Only in the steering wheel :)

Interestingly, it always goes away if I briefly let off the brakes and re-apply them.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Norman
Got the same thing when braking, changed rotors same ****. Only replaced thrusties a year ago!!!

[gmannino]

So I now wonder what is wrong with your car?

[flying101]

Hey Norman,

I am having exactly problem on my 530i (1988 and 340 000km). The shuddering is not constant but can be severe when it happens. Lets hope we get an answer soon.

regards

Cameron

[genphreak]

If you have replaced rotors and bushes and it keeps happening, it is either your rotors or bushes again (so most likely bushes, as many after market ones break within a month of installation...) I only use poly bushes as these don't break and give a very precise feel (but transmit road noise and are harsh (like all bushes should be... :D ). Many report good results with original BMW M5 bushes-these are probably very good. I don't think the 750 ones are worth the risk even if you use original ones.

I suspect it is easy to break some of them when pressing them in as some have parts that protrude and not all press-monkeys have a big enough dimple or hole in the base plate of their presses (or know to use one).

[JMI]

I had a similar issue, replaced all sorts of stuff, new brakes/rotors helped but did not completely eliminate it. Finally nailed it when it was descovered that front driver side tire had slipped a (steel) belt. With the car on a lift and the tire rotated by hand you could see the lump in the tire tread.

For what it is worth...

[Alexlind123]

Thrust arm bushings.