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Anna_Blue
Lv 4
Anna_Blue asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 1 decade ago

My steering wheel has a slight "wiggle" when I apply the brakes. What could it be?

I just had the brakes checked, so it can't be that. Some guy told be it could be the "front end." What in the "front end" could cause this? Steering column? Wheels? (It's a 2001 BMW 530i, by the way.)

Update:

Yeah, a "shimmy." Kinda like when I go out dancing in my short little black dress.

Seriously, I just had the brakes serviced. Gonna have to go back to Econo Lube 'n' Tune, I guess.

Update 2:

Thanks so much to all of you. Big hugs for you all!

However, there seems to be a difference of opinion between the rotors and control arm bushings, so no offense anyone, I'm going to take it to my BMW mechanic and have him check it out.

Thanks again to all.

Love,

Anna

8 Answers

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  • Evil C
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    The wiggling you are reffering to is called a shimmy. Worn control arm bushings or worn ball joints will cause that.

  • AnswerRack.com
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Ditto,

    Warped Rotor, NO Econo, Go to A real Brake repairer or Mechanic.

  • ?
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    Bimmers are hard on breaks and rotors. Especially if you us cheap parts, which most Econo places do.

    You need to get good vented, drilled and cross drilled rotors all the way around and ceramic break pads all the way around. Ebaymotors is a great place to get these. I just picked up mine for my 525 for $200 with free shipping. Start there.

    Source(s): BMW Owner
  • mustanger
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    If it's wiggling or shimmying when you brake the most likely cause is warped rotors. In fact that's about the only cause. Worn suspension parts would cause problems all the time.

    Source(s): Been repairing and restoring cars for over 50 years.
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  • Kenny
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Razo is right. It's the control arm bushings. Common issue. It is just the way the car is designed. Great suspension and handling, but thing wear out faster because of it. Once it's fixed the car will feel like a BMW again.

    Go to a BMW shop and they will tell you the same.

    Source(s): owned a BMW
  • bigdawg
    1 decade ago

    Warped rotors,sounds like econo did an econo job,take it back and have them correct it,hope you kept receipt

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Sounds like you have a warped disc or a bubble in the tyre.

    Get the tyre cheeked ASAP and drive slow

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    if it only happens when you apply the breaks,, its your rotors

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