As much as it pains me to admit this, a trip to the dealer is forthcoming. Been chasing a front end noise and haven't been able to diagnose it. Hasn't helped that I've been travelling for the last month or so and wrenching time is tight. Slow speed L+R turns, like a 5mph figure 8 and it clunks like crazy.

I'm learning toward the steering shaft u-joint. Any bets on what that replacement is going to run? I told my wife it's probably a $1500 dealer fix (the part is $320ish online), figure $500 with dealer markup and 6hrs labor, plus an alignment. I have an 01, and the double joint is NLA, so I have to use the upper shaft and the joint from an 02+. Apparently the one I have is a square fitting for the ujoint to shaft, the newer version is a hex. Dealer is probably going to tell me the entire rack is bad, lol.

To recap, all front suspension bits are new (Lemforder), including the outer tierod ends/boots. CV axles have maybe 500miles on them. Everything was torqued to spec with the suspension preloaded. Dealer did a 4whl alignment and it was perfect for a few months. Someone mentioned strut bearings... struts are original but don't seem to have any play when I grab them and try and push/pull as hard as humanly possible with wheel removed; not sure how else to check the bush/bearing without disassembly.

Daughter turns 16 in October, and she'll learn to drive on this like one, like her brother did a couple of years ago. I don't want to spook her with any funny noises.

Wish me luck...

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12 E70 3.5i xDrive
03 E46 330i ZHP
01 E53 3.0i
98 E36 323is
12 Audi A4 Quattro
79 Triumph Spitfire
73 MGB