Clunking sound in steering/suspension

[MrFixIt]

Originally Posted by Blackjetvette97

Hi all,
MrFixIt, thanks for the info. Funny, your X has the exact same mileage as mine with the clunk sound development! Did you have to take off the metal plate protector(part of suspension) to get to the steering assy? I'm going to have my bud take the plate off at his shop and check everything out underneath there. I will buy some of the "Break Free" before going over there to try as well. I knnow I have to change the bolts on the plate when I remove it, as it is part of the susension, I believe. I'll report back after finding the prob. Thx everyone!

Steve

I didn't take off the reinforcement plate. Worked it from the top with BMW special tool # P123 (aka an 18" long party straw from the grocery store).

Put the spray nozzle attachment into the straw and spray down; turn the steering wheel and spray spray spray. A little messy but it's just CLP. I used BreakFree CLP (clean, lube, and protect) because it's what I have on hand for gun cleaning. I think you can use just about anything that can be sprayed on like Triflow or other lube.

[LeiZ]

So, so far I've learned 2 possible causes: Double Joint on the Lower Steer Col Assy, or the loose bolts on the stiffening plate behind the rack.

Is it possible that someone is very kind to post some pictures how to get access to them or see them?

Thanks again for all the solutions.

Originally Posted by MrFixIt

I didn't take off the reinforcement plate. Worked it from the top with BMW special tool # P123 (aka an 18" long party straw from the grocery store).

Put the spray nozzle attachment into the straw and spray down; turn the steering wheel and spray spray spray. A little messy but it's just CLP. I used BreakFree CLP (clean, lube, and protect) because it's what I have on hand for gun cleaning. I think you can use just about anything that can be sprayed on like Triflow or other lube.

[Traveler]

Looks like I am in the exact same boat as everyone else here. Clunking around the 90 degree point either turning right or left from the 12 o'clock position of the steering wheel. Also, restriction in the ease of movement and then it quickly releases and operates normally...until I try to turn again.

Any improvement LeiZ??

[TwinTurboGTR]

What year and model do you have? Some reported this noise to go away after replacing tie rod ends. The play in the ball joint relates to a clunk in the steering.

[Traveler]

2001 4.4i (obviously E53)

[tynashracing]

Originally Posted by Traveler

Looks like I am in the exact same boat as everyone else here. Clunking around the 90 degree point either turning right or left from the 12 o'clock position of the steering wheel. Also, restriction in the ease of movement and then it quickly releases and operates normally...until I try to turn again.

Any improvement LeiZ??

Yep, same exact situation for me.

I tried spraying the double joint with liquid wrench...seemed to make it worse and then things improved. However, it never really felt right. Several weeks went by and the knocking had returned. Happened to see an Advance Auto Parts store...so, I grabbed a can of white lithium spray. Wasn't sure what would happen, but managed to hit the joint a few times (engine bay was too hot to really reach in all the way to the joint) with the lithium grease. The knocking has finally gone away. The steering no longer has the restriction and release feeling...it's moving smoothly now.

So, I'm planning to revisit with a more thorough spaying while the engine bay is cool as to really get into the joint.

I'm not sure if lithium grease was the way to go or not...I was desperate and felt like a "sticky" kind of lubricant was necessary to hold in the joint.
I've driven roughly 500 miles since the initial spray and it still feels good...a nice fluid flow while turning the wheel. Again, absolutely no more knocking!
Well worth the less than $5 I spent to test lithium spray on the joint! Ha, I figured if it was all wrong to use that grease...it would just force me to order a new double joint and replace it. So, YMMV

[DTMdan]

Mine does this as well. It's nice to finally know the cause.

[Traveler]

Great guys, thanks for the tips. I'll try to hit it with some grease tomorrow and see if that fixes the problem. I'll update you everyone.

[tynashracing]

Originally Posted by Traveler

Great guys, thanks for the tips. I'll try to hit it with some grease tomorrow and see if that fixes the problem. I'll update you everyone.

Just turn the wheel a bit to expose the entire joint...it helps if you have a helper turn the wheel while you spray!

[Blackjetvette97]

Hi all,
So, I'm replacing the tie rods on both sides, because I believe that is where the sound(a binding, then release causing the clunk/click) is originating from. Got a set from AutohausAZ and they're being installed today. At my bud's shop, I felt the steering with the wheels OFF both front sides(the car was in the air, on his lift) and the turning was smooth.....When there is stress on the rods with the wheels on and car on ground, I would get the binding. I'll report back about my results.


Steve