Our 87 760 GLE has suddenly developed what I'd describe as a "flutter" as felt through the steering wheel when driving. Normally, there is a tension as I drive (possible alignment need) to the left, but when I do come off that tension is it as if some part of the front suspension "flutters". It's a shaking vibration that you can feel well. I've checked teh wear pattern on the tires and they seem okay. Any ideas as to what to examine?

Thanks,

David Wilson - 1987 760 GLE turbo wagon - FS @ $1750 and dropping :(

Just going through that on our 87. Replaced the outer ends for $8 each (fcpgroton.com) and then found the inner ones are slightly loose.

Replacing the outer ones cured 90% of a steering wheel shake on braking (the discs aren't warped) but the remaining problem is the inner tie rod end on one side (I'm doing both).

I know that part of the problem in my 745 '88 front end is the strut rod outer bushings are worn. These connect the lower portion of the strut tower with the body of the car. When worn, vibration can be felt, especially under braking. I'd suggest a good inspection of these bushings as well as the tie rod and ball joints, as one worn component will put undue stress on the other components.

We have an '88 740 GLE with 228,000 miles on it. In the 120,000 miles that we have driven it, it has needed one ball joint and one or two tie rod ends on three occasions. I'd check them.

BTW, the only other suspension work we have done on the car was new rear shocks that the dealer installed when we purchased it!

This car is a REAL brick - it has been to western Canada three times, and to the west coast twice, each time fully loaded. The last trip, my daughter had to mail three boxes of stuff home so that my other daughter could join her in Washington State for a road trip down the coast.
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2 8s & 2 7s 600,000 miles total