I have a 91 245dl auto. nothing special. Recently it has had a strong shutter and vibration while braking unless you brake VERY softly. So i figures it was bad rotors warped or scored or out of round or something. Yesterday i went out pulled off the wheels, and everything looks great, i had new rotors i had already purchased so i checked the thickness and they were exactly the same. I was sure it was the rotors, but they look great! The only thing i noticed is that there was like black dust on them it did'ent coat them but in some areas it was there, but it wiped right off. PLEASE HELP! I have to take a trip in this car soon, and i want to get this resolved.

Ben Decker

It could be the tie rod ends.

But, unless you use a dial gage it is very difficult to see a warped rotor. Since you have the new rotors, you might as well put them on.

A warped rotor, plus worn tie rod ends could get pretty shaky.


I replaced my rotors all the way around and got rid of all shuddering. At least two must have been warped, although they looked good.


91_240

I am suffering from the same problems when braking. Problem is a worn inner tierod. Have the part, just haven't put it on yet. Did you do the wheel wiggle test when you had it up? You know, grab the wheel at 9 and 3 and see if you get any in and out movement? Good check for tierods.
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Charles - 87 245DL, 83 BMW 320i, 69 BMW 1602, 70 VW Bus (last two hanger queens)

Hello:

I had the same problem with my '92 245. Replacing a worn outer tie rod end on the driver's side helped quite a bit, and replacing the rear control arm bushings in the front suspension took care of the rest of the shudder. Check your calipers for seized pistons as well-- are the pads wearing equally on the inboard and outboard sides of each wheel?

Let us know what fixes things!

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Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi

The pad wear seems equal on both sides. I am going to go ahead and replace the rotors and pads tommorow and check the calipers to see if one piston is seized.
Thanks for all the awesome quick replies!!!

Ben

Have you checked the caliper pistons? I think one may be seized. You may be able to free it. If not, you will have to replace the caliper. Of course, you'll then have to bleed it.

Erich
Ottawa Ontario

Well i put on the new rotors pads and bled the system a little and its all gone! What a relief that was, just want to say thanks to all you guys. Oh by the way i did what one of you said and grabbed the rotor at 9 and 3 and there wa no shake a all so i assume this means there is nothing wrong with the tie rods.

Ben