New noise from the front, need a bit of help determining what it could be...

[mike_dmt]

Did my lower control arms a few weeks ago. Now I need to do the end links from what I've found when it still clunks and clicks over bumps, driveways, etc...

But the kicker is, now there's a new problem that I need to diagnose. First, the drivers front brake started squeaking a bit, not grinding or sticking, its pretty cool after driving, pads are still O.K., so I ruled out the brakes.. I think.

But a day ago, I started to get a "rump rump rump" sound, and it feels almost like a flat tire, but it's not.

So today I drove it for a bit and nothing unusual, until i made a braking right turn at about 20 m.p.h... Then "rump rump rump" again from any speed from 20-40 m.p.h. Its really bad at freeway speeds. And, what I find strange is, it doesn't transmit to the steering wheel much at all. You feel it under your feet... weird...


I searched wheel bearing threads, and those usually associate a whining, or groaning sound with them, which I don't have. Any other ideas before I tear it apart?

[Big "J"]

Hi Mike!

Did you get an alignment done after replacing the control arms? If not, I'd get that done and see how it rides.

I wouldn't rule out the bearings sounding off and going bad....but, start with the alignment and let us know.

Good Luck!

[mike_dmt]

I'm taking the X in to get my summer tires mounted. I'm hoping the crap winter tires are the culprit. I kind of doubt it, but we will see.

[ECS Tuning]

Bad tires can make all sorts of noises. Change out those worn links, the scrubbed winter tires, get the X aligned and let us know how it all sounds after getting the summer put on. But all and all I'd say there is a good potability the wheel bearing is also shot.

[JCL]

Sounds very much like a wheel bearing. Common failure on the E53.

The noise will change pitch/frequency with variations in road speed. I would describe it as a ruh-ruh-ruh most often. Won't transmit to steering. Set off by a bump or cornering (which side loads the bearing).

[mike_dmt]

I had the guy at the tire shop check the balance on the front wheels and tires before he dismounted them, and sure enough, one of them must have thrown some weight. Apparently they were both off, but one was a full 2 ounces out.

So, for the time being, the X is back to normal. Now I just need to get the end links ordered up.

[ECS Tuning]

^two ouces out! yeah that'll cause a few vibrations!

[mike_dmt]

I know, right? It must have just thrown them off.. Btw, I was looking at your website for the end links I need. You look to carry three brands, from BMW to some less expensive models. Is there much difference between them? I wouldn't imagine you would sell parts that were inferior in quality from one manufacturer to the next.

[ECS Tuning]

For the sway bars personally I feel Lemforder makes the superior part out of the 3 options (genuine BMW, them, and MTC), yet we've moved a slew of the budget friendly MTC ones with no complaints to speak of from customers.

Some aftermarket parts have a bad reputation, others have a reputation of being a superior to stock part. If you ever have any concern regarding aftermarket parts feel free to shoot me a PM, and I'll give you my opinion on them.

Side note, all the aftermarket parts still carry at least a one year warranty.

[mike_dmt]

Good to know. Ill hit up the site and order some!