BMW vibration I cannot resolve.

slag

Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
10,473
81
101
I have a vibration coming from the rear end of my 2002 xi wagon that I'm stumped on. Originally I had more issues, but have since replaced both from cv axles and the center support bearing on my driveshaft. The issue now is that I have a growling noise, especially under heavy acceleration coming from what sounds like the driver's rear. Full disclosure, I have two broken springs, both missing the last coil, but I have 2 on order that will be here next week, but I don't think that's the problem. It's a growl/vibration that is really loud on takeoff and going around corners. I don't see any rubbing. Last night I took the driver's rear axle shaft off and the wheel bearing is very smooth with no play, no noise, nothing that indicates there's an issue. The axle looked and sounded fine also when articulating it. I have replaced the rear diff fluid and it's clean with no metal. The next thing I'm going to check is drop the rear driveshaft again and see if I have it cocked somewhat on the rear diff flange.

Ideas? Suggestions? I replaced the rear brakes last weekend when I found the springs were broken, but I never noticed the growling noise until I removed the driveshafts and replaced the center support bearing which leads me to believe I've caused this but don't know where.... I replaced the CSB because I was getting vibrations that I felt throughout the car but never had the growling.
 

jonivanart

Junior Member
Jun 29, 2018
11
5
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I would suspect the CSB. Sometimes a new part can be bad so I would suspect that first. Also check the tires for a broken belt...

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DaTT
 
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slag

Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
10,473
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Sheepish grin.. so, yeah, I figured it out.

Stupid me, getting senile in my old age. When I replaced the CSB, I put it on UPSIDE DOWN which totally screwed with the geometry of the split driveshaft. UGH. I was under the car Friday evening and took everything back off and was looking at it and thought, hm, wonder if that's on wrong.. So looked it up online and sure enough, I had it mounted 180 degrees off. Took the driveshaft off, spun the bearing assembly around, mounted it back up, and boom, no vibrations. GRR, I've been fighting this for 3 weeks now.
 
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DaTT

Garage Moderator
Moderator
Feb 13, 2003
13,295
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Always a sense of satisfaction when an issue is resolved. Glad to hear its all sorted out.