Steering wheel shake and some squeaking when stopping and going

dwells · 08-29-2013, 09:47 AM

Hey everyone, few problems I'm hoping you can all help me out with. My car had new rotors and StopTech pads put in as of three months ago or so, and then new wheels and tires (Kumho Ecsta LE sport) mounted and balanced as of a couple weeks ago. Upon having the new wheels and tires put on, the shop mentioned that my lower control arm busing on the driver side would be due for replacing soon. Don't know if that's related, but figured I'd mention it. The car has about 63,000 miles currently.

Onto the problems - first off, the steering wheel seems to shake occasionally. I've only noticed it at somewhat lower speeds, maybe between 35 to 60, and it seems to go away after a little while of driving (though that might just be perception). If I let my hands off the wheel, the wheel will turn to the left a centimeter or two, then to the right, then back and forth. Doesn't seem to interfere with the vehicle traveling in a straight line, however, not pulling one way or the other.

Next up is the squeaking. This is happening when I come to a stop or sometimes when letting off the brakes and rolling forward from a stop. Given how recently the brakes were done, I doubt they're at fault. Additionally, I don't recall it happening before the new tires went on. The noise almost sounds like the noise you hear if you're to crank the wheel while the car is not moving. Is it possible the noise is just from the tires being new, or is something else going on?

Also, I've got a loud noise coming from the A-pillar area on the driver's side interior. I do have a slightly leaky window seal, but I'm thinking this sounds more like a rattle and figured I'd mention it in case it's related. There's a number of other annoying interior squeaks and rattles as well - any advice for diagnosing and fixing them would be great.

Thanks everyone!

iturbo_bmw · 08-29-2013, 01:12 PM

I'm developing the same steering wheel shake as you've described. From what I've read on here (you could have searched all this stuff btw like i did) it could be a bent rim, wheels need to be balanced, alignment, or control arms. Since your shop already told you about your controls arms going bad then they are probably causing it. Replace with m3 control arms http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-335...Arm/ES2586480/ or stock

As for brakes, did you bed them in properly? I have the r1 rotors and stoptech pads and i get no squeaking. Maybe they didn't put that anti-squeal stuff..idk

08-29-2013, 09:47 AM	#1
dwells ಠ_ಠ 79 Rep 1,539 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue 335i coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: New England iTrader: (6)	Steering wheel shake and some squeaking when stopping and going - ideas? Hey everyone, few problems I'm hoping you can all help me out with. My car had new rotors and StopTech pads put in as of three months ago or so, and then new wheels and tires (Kumho Ecsta LE sport) mounted and balanced as of a couple weeks ago. Upon having the new wheels and tires put on, the shop mentioned that my lower control arm busing on the driver side would be due for replacing soon. Don't know if that's related, but figured I'd mention it. The car has about 63,000 miles currently. Onto the problems - first off, the steering wheel seems to shake occasionally. I've only noticed it at somewhat lower speeds, maybe between 35 to 60, and it seems to go away after a little while of driving (though that might just be perception). If I let my hands off the wheel, the wheel will turn to the left a centimeter or two, then to the right, then back and forth. Doesn't seem to interfere with the vehicle traveling in a straight line, however, not pulling one way or the other. Next up is the squeaking. This is happening when I come to a stop or sometimes when letting off the brakes and rolling forward from a stop. Given how recently the brakes were done, I doubt they're at fault. Additionally, I don't recall it happening before the new tires went on. The noise almost sounds like the noise you hear if you're to crank the wheel while the car is not moving. Is it possible the noise is just from the tires being new, or is something else going on? Also, I've got a loud noise coming from the A-pillar area on the driver's side interior. I do have a slightly leaky window seal, but I'm thinking this sounds more like a rattle and figured I'd mention it in case it's related. There's a number of other annoying interior squeaks and rattles as well - any advice for diagnosing and fixing them would be great. Thanks everyone! __________________ \| 335i coupe \| Monaco Blue \| JB4 G5 ISO \| Style 313M \| Huper 40% tint \| Aero lip \| CSL trunk spoiler \| M3 sideskirts \| Paint-matched grilles \| Painted reflectors \| GP Thunder II angel eyes \| Smoked LED sidemarkers \| Self-coded \|
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-29-2013, 01:12 PM	#2
iturbo_bmw Major 94 Rep 1,101 Posts Drives: 335i, 530i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	I'm developing the same steering wheel shake as you've described. From what I've read on here (you could have searched all this stuff btw like i did) it could be a bent rim, wheels need to be balanced, alignment, or control arms. Since your shop already told you about your controls arms going bad then they are probably causing it. Replace with m3 control arms http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-335...Arm/ES2586480/ or stock As for brakes, did you bed them in properly? I have the r1 rotors and stoptech pads and i get no squeaking. Maybe they didn't put that anti-squeal stuff..idk
	Appreciate 0 Quote