Front End Creaks

[X5Dude]

I have an issue that I can't get figured out. My 2002 4.4 X5 has 170K miles and it's still going strong. However, when I accelerate quickly or do anything that applies a lot of torque I hear a chunking noise. It sounds almost like something it hitting the undercarriage.

One mechanic told me I had a bent axle... another told me that I need to replace my lower control arms. The second guy went so far as to show me the worn bushings, but said that the bushings couldn't be replaced alone. They whole control arm needs replacing.

I'm no car genius, but I am not sure that either of these guys got it right. I found bushings online (any recommendations on brands) for reasonable prices. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get back up and running properly... just wondering if the Gurus here have any advice.

Thanks!

[princemoe2m]

i never heard of a bent axle before
but there is a kit here that most ppl here got & am planing on getting it my self too :BMW X5 X-5 Control Arm Suspension Kit 01 02 03 04 05: eBay Motors (item 350281872304 end time Oct-16-10 10:22:42 PDT)

if u search control arm here on the site u'll find alot of info including :http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-solution.html

[X5Dude]

Thanks for the insight. I will go check it out.

[faranks]

I have had this front end creaking sound many times. The first time I replaced the swaybar endlink and it fixed it. Year later it came back again and I looked at everything else besides that.

After replacing struts and control arm bushings (which is a bear), I discovered it was the endlink again!! Six months later, the sound is back again. Good thing they are cheap and easy to replace. Ebay

[X5Dude]

Thanks for the insight. As I think through this, my issue is not so much the creaks, but more of a thumping noise when I accelerate from a stop. I can even feel a thud at the wheel. It varies from front left to front right. No clear pattern.

If I ease into it, I can avoid the sound. It is really noticeable on an incline or if I want to quickly speed up... even if I am already at traffic speed.

Thoughts? CV joints? Control arm bent? Bushings???

[faranks]

My bushings looked trashed but replacing them made no noticeable difference. CV joints should make popping noises when you're turning. Shift in weight transfer forward/backwards seems to be what you're describing? Possible that translates to something moving up and down like a loose strut perhaps.

Best thing to do is get under your suspension, preferably on a lift. Start pulling and pushing on things (this is how I found my end link prob) to see if you feel or hear anything. There are control arms, end links, strut mounts etc. Pulling your wheels off makes this a little easier, but it is hard to exert the same forces the weight of your car can.

I replaced my struts thinking that was it, expensive guess! Since I was mistaken, I have 2 perfectly good OEM struts (non-leveling) if you want to buy cheap.

My money is still on the end link. You can check that easy, just get under your car and push/pull on it, it's a rod about 16-18 inches long that has 2 heim joints on the ends. RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Stabilizer, front

[X5Dude]

Turns out is is my drive shaft. I had 2 different BMW mechanics tell me 2 different things... First was a bent axle, 2nd was the lower control arm bushings. finally a guys at a discount tire shop puts it on the rack and throws it in drive and sure enough you can hear the popping and see the shaft jerking around. I might have to change both front and rear, but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.

I could probably just change the flex joint, but I hear the labor is intense. I appreciate any comments...

[1stE53]

I would almost get rid of the car instead of a repair bill that might turn out to be!!

[JBF]

My 2004 3.0D has be squeaking and creaking for a while. The dealers replaced the antiroll bar bushes and lower control arm bushes (the big ones towards the front/centre). It also looks like they greased up everything else. That stopped it for a while but the noises are back and the warranty is out.

Just gave everything a good squirt with some lithium grease and all the noises have gone. Thinking of getting the eBay control arm kit when they come back. Will I need any special tools?

Is there a european source as the postage is a killer!

[X5Dude]

repair for both drive shafts and associated parts and labor ended up being about $2500. Now they tell me there is a noise from the differential (never had it before) and need a second opinion to diagnose. I thinks it's time to pick up my car and go home. It's been 2 weeks already!!