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1999 bmw 540i sport. i've just had all the struts, shocks, moutning hardware, springs, control arms, bushings, ball joints, tie rods, idler arm, center link, brakes, rotors and bearings replaced. after a month i've gotten back the flutter in the front end, i feel it at freeway speeds and when braking. i've noticed that the front brake pads, (pagid) don't seat on the inner upper saddles for the pads on the caliper, the machined surface doesn't go all the way across the caliper, consequently on the piston side there is no support for the pad from the upper saddle. the outside pad seats on both the upper and lower saddles. the rotor is smooth on the outside but i can feel unevenness on the inside. ever heard of this before? after replacing virually all the suspension and steering componets i'm going nuts! it has been professionaly algined twice, and the wheels balanced. it has 18" M5 wheels, the only thing thats not stock.

Submitted: 633 days and 18 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $15
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Optional Information

Optional Information:
1999 BMW 540 sport 4.4

Already Tried:
new rotors and pads twice in last 5k mi, pagid pads, bavarian ultimate slotted drilled rotors

Posted by BmwMasterTech 633 days and 18 hours ago.

Answer

Hello. I will try to help with your vibration. Well it sounds like you did a pretty complete rebuild on the front end! Are the brake pads actually BMW pads from a BMW dealership and the rotors are ultimate slotted drilled rotors, are these also a stock item for your BMW that you would purchase from your dealer.

The reason why I am concerned is that, being in the dealership we only use BMW parts. I have seen a lot of strange issues caused by non-bmw parts. The way you explain that the pads do not seat on the inner upper saddles for the pads on the caliper do not sound like BMW parts. I have seen many a vibration and warpage of rotors that could be causing this vibration.The unevenness on the inside of the rotor could be because they are not seating correctly.Also make sure your sliders to the calipers are lubricated.

Also, If you feel that this might not be the issue, I would try to install the original tires and rims and see if it makes a difference. Although if its a BMW rim I don't think it would be a problem to use the M5 wheels at all.

Lastly, make sure your tires are wearing evenly, Check for "scalloping" of the tires. Your can feel this when you run your hand along the outside and inside edges of the tire. You can feel an uneveness in the tire.

The last thing to mention, I have seen some vibrations caused by the drive shaft and guibo joint. But the only way to check if this is it would be to replace and recheck.

I hope I helped and the source is found. Please Accept this Answer, we can still respond to this post even after and Accept.If there is anything more I could clarify let me know.

-Roger BMW Master Tech

631 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to BmwMasterTech's Post: thank you, i went to the dealer and checked out the oem pads, they were no different in size or shape than what i put on. i'm going to pay but i would like to reserve the right to question you further about this, i just ordered the guibo will respond further in a week or so thanx

Answer

No problem.

It is often very difficult to find the exact cause of a vibration. I would be glad to offer more advise. The pads could be the same size, I am not sure, but the difference could be slight enough not to see visually. Do you hear any rattle from the front end over bumps possibly from the pads? This would indicate not a precise fit.

I will really try my best to help you resolve your vibration, although it is more difficult without being able to examine the vehicle. Thank you for the accept and let me know it turns out!

 

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Expert: BmwMasterTech
Pos. Feedback: 98.1 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 3/1/2008

BMW Mechanic

Level 1 BMW Master Certification, 9 Years Dealer experience, Team Leader, Shop Foreman

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