BMW 1999-2005 M3 Service Manual page 512

Suspension, Steering and Brakes — General
Symptom
vibration or shimmy
Poor handling, poor
directional stability
Poor stability, repeated
bouncing after bumps,
suspension bottoms out easily
Rear end hop with hard
braking
Steering heavy, poor return-
to-center
Steering loose, imprecise
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Probable cause
Worn suspension bushings
(control arm or trailing arm)
Worn front suspension ball
joints (control arm, steering
arm or steering tie-rod end)
Unbalanced or bent
wheels/tires Loose wheel lug
bolts
Loose wheel lug bolts
Rear control arm or rear
subframe bushings worn or
damaged
Rear alignment incorrect
Worn struts or shock
absorbers
Rear trailing arm busing worn
or damaged
Worn upper strut mounts
Incorrect tire pressure
steering system faulty
Incorrect tire pressure
Loose steering rack mounting
bolt(s)
Worn tie rod end(s)
Faulty front wheel bearing
Worn or damaged steering
rack
Worn tires
Repairs
Replace worn bushings.
310, 330
Replace worn ball joints.
310
Balance tires.
Check tires for uneven wear
patterns.
Check wheels for damage. .
Tighten lug bolts to proper
torque.
Replace rear suspension
bushings as necessary.
330
Check and adjust wheel
alignment. 320
Replace struts or shock
absorbers. 310,
Replace trailing arm
bushing. 330
Replace strut mounts.
Check and correct tire
pressures. 020
Check power steering fluid
level. 320
Check and correct tire
pressures. 020
Inspect and tighten bolts.
320
Replace tie rod(s) and align
wheels. 320
Replace wheel bearing.
310
Adjust or replace steering
rack. 320 .
Replace tires.
330
310
2/25/2009 10:24 PM