Something feels off balance

[Muted]

Hey y’all,

When driving slow or fast I feel as if a wheel is not balanced, but I’ve taken it two times now for a balance and they said it’s fine. What else could cause this? I feel it more in my seat than the steering wheel. I’m thinking is has something to do with the rear suspension? Is there something I should be looking for?

Thanks!

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

Might have worn suspension components - especially thrust arms.

[Clifton]

Agree with Tomcat_F15_STL. I'll add that if you feel vibration in the seat, it's usually something in the rear.

[suitedcboy]

Can you define the shake more? Tire imbalance is lower frequency (slower) and typically is a higher amplitude shake that is 60MPH and up. If it is front driveshaft then it is higher frequency and lower amplitude and starts at lower speed, maybe 40 mph. Suspension bushings has always been more like tire shake on any BMW I've ever experienced it.

[Muted]

Originally Posted by suitedcboy

Can you define the shake more? Tire imbalance is lower frequency (slower) and typically is a higher amplitude shake that is 60MPH and up. If it is front driveshaft then it is higher frequency and lower amplitude and starts at lower speed, maybe 40 mph. Suspension bushings has always been more like tire shake on any BMW I've ever experienced it.

The best way to describe it is like it’s a tire balancing issues, but it’s not. I feel it more in my seat. It starts around 70-80km/h and higher. It’s subtle but enough that I can notice it. I was thinking the trust arms but maybe the rear control arms are going bad?

[Ascotgrun]

I've been noticing something similar. I would describe it more as a wobble. First thing that comes to mind is what a bent axle would feel like, but I know I haven't hit anything that could cause damage.

I feel it most between 10 to 45 mph. The whole car wobbles side to side and it definitely feels like it emanates from the rear.

Time to go research thrust arms. I only have 68K miles on it but who knows how it was driven for the first 50K before I got it.

[m4forum]

there is an app which measures vibration and can help diagnostic those issues. I have never used so far but heard good reviews. It is $100 ... but maybe can save you a lot of money.

[m4forum]

the app is called NVH

[_ObiJon]

Before spending any money, I would at least do a visual inspection, followed by the good old pry bar test. I would check wheel weights, suspension arms, axle boots, guibo, literally anything that moves under the car.

Does the problem go away when you're off the throttle, then return when you're back on it? Or is it constant?

[Muted]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

Before spending any money, I would at least do a visual inspection, followed by the good old pry bar test. I would check wheel weights, suspension arms, axle boots, guibo, literally anything that moves under the car.

Does the problem go away when you're off the throttle, then return when you're back on it? Or is it constant?

The problem is constant with speed. Doesn’t change with throttle. I’m waiting to have some free time to put it up on a hoist and look. I’m thinking it’s something with the rear since I don’t feel it in the steering wheel.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by Muted

The problem is constant with speed. Doesn’t change with throttle. I’m waiting to have some free time to put it up on a hoist and look. I’m thinking it’s something with the rear since I don’t feel it in the steering wheel.

Let us know how it goes. Didn't mention it in my last post but take a look at the center support bearing for the rear driveshaft too.