Brakes - Vibration When Braking

GROUP 34
Brakes

Bulletin Number
34 03 99

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
December 1999
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Brake Induced Steering Vibration

MODEL:
E46 two and four door models produced prior to 10/99

Situation:
Some E46s produced prior to 10/99 may exhibit a steering vibration when braking, which is usually most notable in the 60-50 MPH range.

Cause:
This symptom is caused by excessive sensitivity of the front axle on some cars.

Correction:
The front brake pads and steering coupling were modified in production to reduce the possibility of setting up the vibrations that cause this symptom.

These new parts have been included in a kit for earlier production cars that experience customer complaints.

Procedure:
In case of customer complaint, remove front brake rotors and pads and replace with new parts from kit. Refer to Repair Instructions, 34 11 220.

Balance front wheel assemblies before re-installing.

Replace steering coupling and Torx bolts with new parts from kit, per Repair Instructions, 32 31 053

Note:
The following additional Instructions apply only to cars that have previously had dampened steering lines Installed. The total number of cars so equipped is very small.





If the car previously had the dampened hydraulic lines (part number 32 13 6 750 847, item B in illustration) installed on the steering rack they must be replaced with original lines. This portion of the repair should be performed in conjunction with the replacement of the steering coupling.





Unbolt rack from subframe (2) and pull down and forward (3).





Clean any dirt from around fittings and remove dampened lines (1) from rack.





Lubricate O rings on original style lines (without dampers) with ATF, and install (1). Tighten fittings to 7.5 Nm.





Reinstall rack with new bolts (2) and nuts and tighten to 42 Nm. Complete connection with new steering coupling as described above.

Reinstall splash shield, bleed steering and top up fluid as necessary.





Parts Information:
This repair will require one kit, based on model.





Warranty Information:
Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle limited warranty.