31 90... Front axle troubleshooting
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 335i, and 2010 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Follow troubleshooting for steering/shock absorbers.
FRONT AXLE TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
| Fault | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding noise (louder when negotiating bends) | Wheel bearings faulty | Replace wheel bearings |
| Vibration | Wheel imbalance | Balance wheels |
| Radial/lateral rim runout | Check rims, replace if necessary | |
| Radial tire runout | Match or replace tires | |
| Wheel imbalance | Balance wheels | |
| Radial/lateral rim runout | Check rims, replace if necessary | |
| Rubber mount of control arm faulty | Replace control arms | |
| Ball joint in control arm worn | Replace control arms | |
| Rubber mount of tension strut faulty | Replace rubber mounts on both tension struts | |
| Ball joint on tension strut worn | Replace both tension struts | |
| Excessive steering wheel play/steering wheel inclination | Rubber mount of control arm faulty | Replace control arms |
| Ball joint in control arm worn | Replace control arms | |
| Rubber mount of tension strut faulty | Replace rubber mounts on both tension struts | |
| Ball joint on tension strut worn | Replace both tension struts | |
| Excessive steering wheel play/steering wheel inclination | Bolts for reinforcement strut loose | Tighten down bolts |
| Bolt for V-strut loose | Tighten down bolts | |
| Bolts for front axle carrier to engine carrier loose | Replace bolts | |
| Bolt for spring strut to swivel bearing loose | Replace bolt & nut | |
| Ball joint in control arm worn | Replace control arms | |
| Ball joint on tension strut worn | Replace both tension struts | |
| Rubber mounts for stabilizer bar bracket faulty | Replace both rubber mounts of stabilizer bar bracket | |
| Ball joints on stabilizer link(s) worn | Replace both stabilizer links | |
| Excessive tire wear | Front or rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted | Check suspension components for damage; if necessary, carry out chassis/wheel alignment check |