Brake shuddering

[Kanuc]

Hi. 2016 X5 35d, 70000km, new tires.

When I go down a long steep hill, car pretty full of ppl and cargo, gradually I start to get shuddering in the car. Not through brake pedal, instead whole car just shakes. This occurred on a hot day. This did not recur on a similar incline on a cool day during rain.

The shuddering is a pulsation, but is not like when ABS kicks in.

Dealer checked out brake condition visually (ie what mechanic can see without pulling off wheels). Pads look close to new, rotors look good. Interestingly (coincidentally), service computer shows front and rear brake job due in <5000km. Dealer did not want to do a brake job (how honest is that?).

Dealer checked wheel alignment, looks good.

Dealer came up empty.

If this is not uncommon, there must be a service bulletin, but dealer said none exists.

[travellingkiwi]

It's possible it's your brake pads. I've had this in the past on various vehicles, and it always disappears when the pads are replaced.

[n713z]

Originally Posted by Kanuc

Hi. 2016 X5 35d, 70000km, new tires.

When I go down a long steep hill, car pretty full of ppl and cargo, gradually I start to get shuddering in the car. Not through brake pedal, instead whole car just shakes. This occurred on a hot day. This did not recur on a similar incline on a cool day during rain.

This happened on my x35i with 60k miles that I bought off-lease. Dealer replaced two old tires with scary $40 tires ("Atlas"). There was a hint of unbalanced vibration from 60-80 mph that was barely noticeable because the car is so heavy and well insulated. On a long descent on a hot day it started shaking like you describe while in cruise control at 80 mph. Confirmed same shaking when stepping lightly on the brakes with transmission in Neutral. No pulsing through the brake pedal. Once everything cooled off on flat ground very little shaking.

Replaced all four tires with Pirellis and had them balanced at a reputable place, no more shaking.