What did you do to / for your E53 today??

[andrewwynn]

There is a ball joint on the other side of the forward control arms also people have reported an inconsistent clunk from those very bushings when the bolt works itself loose or when the bolt was tightened before loading the springs.

I would first try to video the wheel while braking to see if there is motion. A pry bar is nothing compared to 5000# slamming into that bushing.

Then even if you can’t verify motion, with the Wheels on the ground loosing and torque those tension strut bushing bolts and for good measure the other side as well.

There are about six ball joints on each front wheel and any one can cause a chunk. Try to determine if any has broken its seal. Any sign of leaking oil and it’s likely the clunker

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

They don't tap. The clunk is when braking to a stop. When the car comes to a stop and then settles back there's a clunk. Not every time, of course. That would make it easier to identify.

Everything is metal and connected so it can be very hard to locate the source since the sound can travel anywhere.

I get a clunk from changing from fed to reverse I’m pretty sure is from my rear suspension either the lower ball joint, the subframes or the diff bushing. I haven’t had time to find it but as least in my case it’s every time so I just need to get my remote camera down in there and look for it.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Everything is metal and connected so it can be very hard to locate the source since the sound can travel anywhere.

I get a clunk from changing from fed to reverse I’m pretty sure is from my rear suspension either the lower ball joint, the subframes or the diff bushing. I haven’t had time to find it but as least in my case it’s every time so I just need to get my remote camera down in there and look for it.

If this post isn't the same clunk, and since you have checked the usual places, if only for grins I would check under the hood and in the spare tire area to see if something is loose or even the console or door storage. Ya just never know.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

They don't tap. The clunk is when braking to a stop. When the car comes to a stop and then settles back there's a clunk. Not every time, of course. That would make it easier to identify.

Try to get it to reproduce from fed to reverse vs stop and settle.

The stopping is loading suspension like a spring and when you finally stop the spring releases the stored energy.

If that release moves a worn bushing or ball joint you’ll get a clunk. When I switch from rev to fed I get it every time so try to get it to clunk with some rev to fwd or opposite. Also with the wheels turned. The key to finding it is make it happen vs random.

Also as BC suggest it could be a loose item rolling around with the spare tire etc.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Try to get it to reproduce from fed to reverse vs stop and settle.

The stopping is loading suspension like a spring and when you finally stop the spring releases the stored energy.

If that release moves a worn bushing or ball joint you’ll get a clunk. When I switch from rev to fed I get it every time so try to get it to clunk with some rev to fwd or opposite. Also with the wheels turned. The key to finding it is make it happen vs random.

Also as BC suggest it could be a loose item rolling around with the spare tire etc.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll put her up on ramps and go through and loosen and retorque everything. There is no spare in the rear right now as it is on the car while I refinish the last wheel left to refinish. Clunk is definitely from the front. I also can't find anything loose under the hood.

We'll see what happens after I retorque everything and get a good look at all the ball joints.

[andrewwynn]

When all else fails it ends up being the bearing on the top of the strut tower.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

When all else fails it ends up being the bearing on the top of the strut tower.

I hope not. I replaced those the same time I did the suspension refresh about 67k miles ago. But sound does sort of seem to come from that area. Hard to pin down though.

[andrewwynn]

odds in your favor not the rope bearing if already replaced. Very good chance it’s one of the dozen ball joints. Use a vice grip and grab each arm with a ball and twist and see if you find one that moves easier than others.

[bhennrich]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

I hope not. I replaced those the same time I did the suspension refresh about 67k miles ago. But sound does sort of seem to come from that area. Hard to pin down though.

67k miles ago??? I would personally be doing a full refresh after 67k of driving.


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[squidzilla]

I watched water leak through the glove box area after a snow storm. This is most likely the passenger side cabin filter drain is clogged right? Hopefully I can find a DIY to fix this.