July 2022 - Turning Wrenches

Signs and Causes of a Shaking Wheel in BMW in Louisville

by turningwpuser | Jul 31, 2022 | BMW Repair

Driving your BMW with a shaky wheel is not only inconvenient but also hazardous. Such vibrations are signs of an underlying issue with your vehicle, and these issues must be addressed as soon as possible. Ignoring these signs would compromise both your comfort and the safety of all road users.

Unbalanced wheels, tire damage, broken rim, worn engine mounts, faulty wheel bearing, and loose lug nuts are the most prevalent reasons for a shaking wheel in a BMW.

Unbalanced wheels

Unbalanced wheels are the major reason why the wheel shakes or vibrates in BMW, especially while driving at high speeds. A driver feels the most vibration whenever the front wheel is out of balance. However, when the back wheel is out of balance, the vibration is felt throughout the entire vehicle.

What causes out-of-balance BMW wheels?: An imbalance in your BMW’s wheels is frequently caused by uneven tire wear or impact by potholes or objects. This causes the rim and tire’s center of gravity to move unevenly around the axis. The wheel would begin to vibrate and the steering wheel would wobble as a result of the centrifugal force that happens at high speeds. This increases the wear and tear not just on the wheels, but also in other components.
How are the wheels of BMW balanced? BMW wheels may be balanced using a specialized wheel balancer. The wheels are gripped and turned in the machine. Various sensors detect if the wheels are working smoothly or unevenly during rotation. If an imbalance is identified, tiny weights are attached to the rim to fix it. These compensate for the tire’s unequal weight distribution and guarantee that the wheel would run smoothly.
How often should the tires of a BMW be balanced? There are no set intervals for balancing BMW tires; however, it is advised that you balance it with tire rotation every six months. Regular balancing not only lowers tire wear and eliminates costly vehicle damage, but it also improves driving comfort and safety.

Tire wear

One of the most prevalent reasons for a wobbly wheel is tire wear. You need to examine all of the tires in your BMW for cracks, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear. However, occasionally the damage to the tire is not immediately obvious, such as when the belt breaks within the tire, which can happen even with brand new tires. A crack or bulge in your tire’s sidewall indicates damage to the tire’s carcass or casing, which occurs when you drive over specific obstacles, such as deep potholes.

Damage to the rim

A bent rim might also lead to a shaky wheel in your BMW. This type of damage commonly happens when an impediment, such as a deep pothole or speed bump, is driven over too rapidly. Balancing the wheels is unlikely to solve the problem. A bent rim should be replaced.

Inspect the wheels carefully to check that the rims and spokes are not deformed or broken.

Even if no obvious damage is present, the entire rim may be bent, giving an uneven diameter. By installing the rim on the wheel balancing machine, a skilled technician can determine if it is bent.

Wheel bearing failure

A faulty wheel bearing in a BMW can cause wheel vibrations. The most typical symptoms of a faulty wheel bearing are a grinding sound in the cabin when going straight and a loud noise when cornering. It gets dangerous if you ignore the indications of a faulty wheel bearing and keep driving. In the worst-case situation, the damaged wheel locks up or tears off while driving.

Engine mounts that have deteriorated

The engine mounts of BMW are designed to keep the engine in place while minimizing vibration transmission to the car body. Engine mounts are constantly stressed because they are subjected to high pressures, intense vibrations, and environmental impacts. As a result, regardless of quality, they all wear down during use and eventually require replacement, usually after 5-10 years.

The most common technique to identify a faulty engine mount is by its symptoms. Visible vibrations on the body, steering wheel, or gear shift lever, even while the engine is idling, signal a major problem. Unusual sounds are also apparent indications of a faulty engine mount.

Loosen wheel nuts

Another apparent reason for wheel vibrations in your BMW is that the wheel lug nuts may have fallen loose or were not correctly tightened when changing tires. A lug wrench can be used to verify and rule out this problem.

Balance BMW Shaky Wheel in Louisville at Turning Wrenches

At Turning Wrenches, we have certified BMW mechanics that will ensure your car returns to its top condition. Our team of technicians is well-trained to deliver the best customer service to drivers in Louisville, KY. Contact us now or book an appointment with us. We look forward to giving your vehicle the best care possible.

* BMW Car image credit goes to: huettenhoelscher.

The Dangers of Bulging Tires in a Mercedes in Louisville

by turningwpuser | Jul 15, 2022 | Mercedes Repair

Whether you notice a bulge in your tire when approaching your Mercedes in a parking lot or feel an odd vibration while driving, any time your tire is misshapen, there is a level of danger to not only you, but to your passengers and those driving around you. When you notice a bulging tire on your Mercedes in Louisville, it is important to have them checked by a professional as soon as possible. They will be able to determine the cause of the problem and make any necessary repairs. Trying to drive on bulging tires is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

What Causes Bulging Tires?

There are several factors that can cause bulging tires, including overinflation, underinflation, excessive speed, hitting a curb or pothole, and even temperature changes. When a tire is overinflated, the air pressure inside the tire is greater than the pressure outside the tire. This can cause the tire to bulge outward. If a tire is underinflated, the opposite happens – the pressure inside the tire is lower than the pressure outside the tire. This can also cause the tire to bulge outward.

Excessive speed is another factor that can cause bulging tires. When a tire is spinning at a high rate of speed, centrifugal force causes the air inside the tire to expand. This can cause the tire to bulge outward. Hitting a curb or pothole can also cause bulging tires. When the tire hits something hard, it can be damaged internally. This damage can cause the tire to bulge outward.

Finally, temperature changes can also cause bulging tires. As the temperature outside decreases, the air pressure inside the tire decreases as well. This can cause the tire to bulge outward. Similarly, as the temperature outside increases, the air pressure inside the tire increases as well. This can also cause the tire to bulge outward.

The Dangers of Bulging Tires

Bulging tires are dangerous because they can lead to a blowout. When a tire blows out, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to an accident. If you notice that your tires are starting to bulge, it’s important to have them checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Trying to drive on bulging tires is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, as a blowout could be dangerous to you, your passengers, and those on the road around you. Depending on the speed you’re driving at, the road conditions, and the traffic around you, a blown tire could easily turn into a major wreck. Driving on bulging tires is a risk not worth taking. So if you notice that your tires are starting to bulge, make sure to get them checked out by a professional ASAP.

How to Prevent Bulging Tires in a Mercedes

Bulging tires can be caused by a number of different things, but the most common cause is overinflation. When your Mercedes tire is overinflated, the air pressure inside the tire is greater than the pressure outside the tire. This can cause the tire to bulge outwards, either in one uniform shape or in bubble-like protrusions.

To prevent bulging tires, it’s important to check your tire pressure regularly and keep your tires inflated to the proper level. You should also avoid driving on rough roads or over potholes, as this can damage your tires and cause them to bulge. If you do hit a pothole or bumpy road, inspect your tires afterwards for any signs of damage.

Turning Wrenches: Mercedes Tire Experts

At Turning Wrenches, we know that when your car is having tire trouble, it can be stressful and inconvenient. That’s why our technicians are dedicated to making sure your car can continue to drive safely for you and your family.

We’ve been helping Louisville, KY Mercedes drivers stay on the road since 2013, and we’re passionate about cars. Turning Wrenches is here for the Mercedes drivers of Kentucky, whether you need a tire change or a more extensive repair. We’re dedicated to our customers and their safety, so you can rest assured that your car is in good hands. Contact us or come by our shop to learn more about what we can do for you. We look forward to helping you keep your car on the road.

* Mercedes Benz AMG Car image credit goes to: Karlos Garciapons.