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Intermittent vibration


CageyH

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This is not on my 7, but on my E46 320D Touring. I seem to have an intermittent vibration at motorway speeds in France, that seems related to the road surface, although it may not be.

The vibration can be felt through the steering wheel, and the drivers seat. My initial thoughts are that this is unlikely to be a wheel balance issue, and is most likely a worn track rod, ball joint or even a shock absorber. Other options to me would seem to be a sticky brake caliper. 
Am I looking in the right areas, or am I way off the mark?

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Typically on the E46, the front lower control arm bushes need replacing every 50K miles or so. If you also have suspension "mushiness" and vague steering under hard braking, they are likely the problem. Look for cracks or distortion of the rubber bush on the inboard end of the front lower control arms. They can be replaced fairly easily and are not too expensive, consider them to be a standard maintenance item.

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Thanks. I have fitted Powerflex polyurethane bushes on the lower control arms a few years ago.

The vibration through the steering wheel is quite light, so I suspect it is coming from the rear end. Would a faulty prop shaft centre bearing have this effect?

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The thing is it was fine just after the new tyres were fitted six months ago. The last trip was odd, as sometimes I had a vibration, sometimes I didn't. Usually a wheel will vibrate all of the time, which is what was puzzling me, and make me start thinking about a ball joint etc.

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