"Clunking" noise coming from front end...help!

[chusteveb]

I just got my 04 4.8 back from the dealership with the same clicking/ clunk issue from the front drivers side. My X had 19kmi at the time. The dealership replaced a strut and wheel bearing under warranty. I'll be honest the clunk has been significantly reduced but I still hear it every great once in a while although it may be in my head. The dealership originally was going to replace the whole steering column but ended up not thinking it was not the problem. I'm still listening for the noise.

[JV]

Originally Posted by chusteveb

I just got my 04 4.8 back from the dealership with the same clicking/ clunk issue from the front drivers side. My X had 19kmi at the time. The dealership replaced a strut and wheel bearing under warranty. I'll be honest the clunk has been significantly reduced but I still hear it every great once in a while although it may be in my head. The dealership originally was going to replace the whole steering column but ended up not thinking it was not the problem. I'm still listening for the noise.

Sway bar link- too cheap a part not to replace and see if your noise disappears.

[94502]

Originally Posted by JBC247

I had the same issue from when I picked up my '04 X5 in 2/04, it was in the shop at 600 miles, never could fix the problem.
Low speeds while turning, in reverse, and faster turning while going forward would make the pop or thud, whatever the sound, happen.
BMW flew a technician in to Dallas who was supposed to be the guy who knew everything, I drove him, the service manager, and my service representative around and demonstrated the noise, you could even feel it on the floorboard.
After 5 visits to the shop, they replaced the vehicle.
So I got an '05 in 11/04, and the damn thing has the same problem, I haven't even taken it in.

that is some s***!!!!! Never got that problem fixed on my 05 4.4 also.. Dealer can't find out whats the problem. I am waiting for my brother to start working for BMW and hope he can fix everything..

[chusteveb]

Originally Posted by 94502

that is some s***!!!!! Never got that problem fixed on my 05 4.4 also.. Dealer can't find out whats the problem. I am waiting for my brother to start working for BMW and hope he can fix everything..

That would be awesome! Please let us know what your brother finds out!

[JPuma]

I have this problem too and I am about to investagate whats wrong. I am going to change part 7 Left/Right Swing support and see if that does it. While I am at it buying parts, anything else I should consider replacing. btw, last year I had both boots replaced due to the boot rubbers breaking but thats all fixed under warrenty and I still hear the noise. it normally happens when I go over subtle bumps or when is turning at low speeds like leaving a gas station as I ride off the curb in a turn.

[fast4d]

I just ordered thrust rod bushing, lower control arm, ball joints and swaybar links. I'm at 99k miles now. everything except the thrust arm was replaced at 60k.

also doing waterpump, radiator, valley pan and all the crap that's attached to the rear water "log". I can't imagine the $$$$ I'll spend if I took it to the dealer.

[JV]

Originally Posted by JPuma

I have this problem too and I am about to investagate whats wrong. I am going to change part 7 Left/Right Swing support and see if that does it. While I am at it buying parts, anything else I should consider replacing. btw, last year I had both boots replaced due to the boot rubbers breaking but thats all fixed under warrenty and I still hear the noise. it normally happens when I go over subtle bumps or when is turning at low speeds like leaving a gas station as I ride off the curb in a turn.

Good to read you again, JP!

Sounds like the symptoms of a bad link. I had the boots replaced at around 75K.

for others to chime in on your questions about parts.

[JPuma]

Hey JV, thanks, I've been a little preoccupied with life for a bit. So is the swing support the link you are talking about?

Thanks for your input fast4d

[JPooX5]

I had the clunking on the driver side when backing out of a parking spot. The stealer "replaced the left front wheel bearing, wheel hub, dust covers as per SIB 31 01 01." The noise is gone . . . so far.

[JPuma]

Originally Posted by fast4d

I just ordered thrust rod bushing, lower control arm, ball joints and swaybar links. I'm at 99k miles now. everything except the thrust arm was replaced at 60k.

also doing waterpump, radiator, valley pan and all the crap that's attached to the rear water "log". I can't imagine the $$$$ I'll spend if I took it to the dealer.

Hey fast4d, do you have part # for the parts that were replaced?