Hi! I have a problem with steering wheel vibration above 75mph. The car is an E63 w212 2009. Mileage 120,000 miles. I have new wheels. New tires mounted with road test optimization. New set of front wishbones. 3D suspension geometry set. New set of drive shaft discs. That didn't help. I rather rule out brake discs because there is no such problem when braking. Steering wheel vibrations only appear and exclusively at speeds above 75mph. Vibrations can also be felt under the driver's feet. More on the left side. I can feel play in the steering gear. Maybe in the steering column or somewhere else because when quickly moving the steering wheel left and right, a slight play is felt. Or shock absorbers need to be replaced. Does anyone have any other ideas?

 

did it vibrate before the tires were replaced?
do you have spacers?
do you have run flat tires?
did you consider the driveshaft hangars?

 

I don't have spacers. On the previous tires I have the impression that it was a bit worse. These are not RF tires. I replaced the entire drive shaft with a used one but with low mileage and bought completely new flex disk. No improvement so I would reject it. My workshop is now checking the steering column to correct some play that is present.

 

It could very well be your suspension. Definitely want to check the struts/shocks and control arm bushings. Should not be the engine mounts, but you may want to check those too. I have about 130,000 miles on my C350, but the engine is lighter and not nearly the torque that you have. So, your engine mounts may very well need replacing.

 

could be wheel bearings & bent rims.

Currently trying to remedy the same and i think it’s either of the two.

update us with your findings

 

The bearings have no play and do not hum. The rims are perfectly straight. Next week we will dismantle the rack and pinion because it has play.

 

I too am going through the same exercise... I sent both my front rims to the rear. That's proven not to be bent rims in my case: lucky

Currently adjusting Right front wheel bearing freeplay. Left had the most freeplay.
My strut mounts bearings (+ bushings?) are confirmed shot at 60kMi ... these strut bearings are hell-o' weak. 👏

Looking forward to upgrade the grease in the new ones. Notice how the radiator fan vents heat in this area. This 200°F evaporates grease as strut gets heated. High temp silicone brake grease will stay put✌️

 

Did you check the half shafts on each end?
I might have to take that back, rwd only, sorry!
Have you switched rims from left to right?
Could be the drive shaft at the coupler.
Think about the rpm this thing is doing, at 75mph +.

 

Can damaged shock absorbers cause vibrations in the steering wheel?

 

Absolutely! Every joint needs to be tight without any freeplay.

Anything that impacts front axle stability is going to endup felt in the steering wheel. It's not just tie rod ends + rack that cause wheels to shake.

Replace in that order ...:

1. control arms
2. ball joints
3. wheel bearings adjustment
4. stab links
5. strut bearings + mount
6. half-shafts
7. ....

Don't sweat this too much: it's "everything must go!"

 

I just bought an e63 and one tyre needed wheel balancing. the steering wheel vibrations were crazy above 70mpg. Now sorted. Gbp 21 to fix