[Expired]

The front end on my '01 530i is feeling a bit loose.
When I let go of the wheel it will pull a little to the left or a little to the right, depending on what it wants to do.
Holding the wheel steady in a turn, I have to correct a little bit even though I judged the turn perfectly. It's as if the wheels are moving/changing angle while in the turn. (Reference.. on turns like in this pic.)


The pull is unpredictable, I have to sit there and constantly let go then correct the wheel again to try and get it to go in a straight line on its own. In most cars to me it is stiff and apparent where this sweet spot is. (Dead center of course) Today I let go and it drifted a little bit to the right, and then quickly drifted faster to the right a few seconds in out of nowhere.

After accelerating to around 45mph the steering wheel will also start to shake left and right fairly fast like as if going over a ton of bumps, but then goes away after a short bit.

It started up about a week or so ago and I haven't hit anything to my knowledge, I figured it might go away after a little while.. -___- The only thing I can think of that might affect the front end is for the past two months I've been having to drive over a long 2x4 in my driveway. Its angled diagonally in the driveway so all of the wheels go over it at a different time..



Do you think the simple solution is just an alignment, or could it be something else??

-Nathan

[Richwm]

Sounds like front control arm bushings need to be replaced.

[Expired]

Originally Posted by Richwm

Sounds like front control arm bushings need to be replaced.

Hmm.. that would make sense, the car is at around 51k Miles..
http://www.understeer.com/lcab.shtml

Thanks for the help!!
If anyone else has any opinions on what the problem could be, I'm open for suggestions. However, I think that Richwm hit the nail on the head.
An estimate of the cost to repair it would be much appreciated as well.

-Nathan

[Richwm]

Originally Posted by Expired

Hmm.. that would make sense, the car is at around 51k Miles..
http://www.understeer.com/lcab.shtml

Thanks for the help!!
If anyone else has any opinions on what the problem could be, I'm open for suggestions. However, I think that Richwm hit the nail on the head.
An estimate of the cost to repair it would be much appreciated as well.

-Nathan

My local shop charges about $300. My dealership said $1100 and I walked away. The last set I did myself but next time I will pay the $300.