Clicking when turning left - Page 2

BB_cuda · #1 01-22-2012, 10:10 AM

Here is the thing. Typically, when you get a CV joint clicking its sort of a backwards thing. When turning left, the outer CV (which is the right side outer) is put under stress. Turning right would put the left one under stress. To complicate matters, their are outer and inner CVs on each side so you have 4 total. The inners typically don't go but i have changed an inner only back in the 1980's on my VW Scirocco.

If the left boot is not ripped, i would keep looking before springing for the new axle. You sure would be pissed if you pay to change it and still have the noise. The X could be put up on a lift and driven. Mechanics (good ones anyway) have little microphones/headphones they can put on the spindles and listen for noise for bearings. There is a youtube video on this. Search for "wheel bearing noise" to find it. I'm not saying its your bearings. Just trying to educate you. I know the distinct clicking noise that a CV joint makes, do you? If this is happening, please ensure which one it is. Have someone stand out in the street and listen on both sides while you turn left. Best of luck.

Mrblaze000 · #2 01-31-2012, 07:24 PM

Yea bro, it has to be your axle. I have been having the same sound, and today as i did my brakes my axle boot was ripped and grease everywere sooo yea now i gotta do that. But im sure u have done it already, did the clicking go away?

jamieeasley · #3 02-06-2012, 02:52 PM

So I found out what the leak was. I took the X to a shop that I've been to before to have them check for the leak. It's a free service so I figured if nothing else they could help me diagnose and I can make the repairs. Came away with the oil filter housing leaking, the oil cooler/lines leaking, the power steering pump/hoses leaking and a crack in the expansion tank. All of which I had suspected but wanted confirmation. Now I wil be replacing all of those and probably some other problem areas while I have everything apart. I figured I would do the vanos line while I was in there and the radiator hoses but what else? Anything else I should do while I'm that deep? So one weekend I'll be fixing the leaks and another the suspension. Busy time ahead of me!

jamieeasley · #4 04-01-2011, 08:39 PM

I'm going to get under it again this weekend and check it out and if I can't see anything externally I'm probably going to order a new axle assembly and change it out to see how it does after that. Hopefully this does it.

jamieeasley · #5 04-20-2011, 02:32 PM

So I finally got a chance to get under and look and I don't think it's the axle. The boot is in great condition and not any grease leaking out of it at either end. The boot on the tie rod does appear to be torn and there is grease coming out of it. Do you think that the tie rod could be causing the clicking? I took a few pics when I was underneath.

jamieeasley · #6 04-25-2011, 01:55 PM

Nothing? I'm guessing I'll change out the tie rod first and see how that does since that's what appears to be damaged. The ones I've looked at didn't look like they come with a boot though or are they just probably not pictured?

mrbmwx5 · #7 04-25-2011, 06:29 PM

My money is on the lower front control arm.

dolbyX5 · #8 01-21-2012, 06:46 PM

Did you ever come up with a resolution ? Mine has started clicking as well.

-chc- · #9 01-21-2012, 07:48 PM

My clicking noise turned into a cranking noise on the left wheel, when I swivel the steering wheel. I can even feel the cranking under my foot. Only happens for the first few minutes when it's cold.

I'm taking it in this Monday.

Bulk · #10 01-21-2012, 11:30 PM

Dude - No grease leaking? That's a lot of grease smeared on your CV boots for them not to be leaking.

I reckon it is either

1. Your CV Joint (Most Likely)
2. The wheel bearing.

They are the first two things I would replace. Clicking from an axle if rhythmical and relative to the speed of the vehicle has to be something that turns so can only be something between the front diff and wheel.

I would replace the front axle first as it is less difficult than the bearing and is more likely to be the cause. That will cover all your boots also so you won't have to do them.

BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0L > Drivetrain > View All > ES#1905666 Axle Assembly - Front, Left (Drivers) - 31607565313

CV Joints can go even without the boot tearing but the boot is not holding in the grease which makes it even more likely

Andrew