loud squealing noise from front left side. - Page 2

SeanC · #11 10-09-2018, 10:44 AM

That doesn't sound like it's foam bushings, in which case you'd hear loud clunks over pot holes. Broken spring, degraded rubber inside strut mount, or degraded spring pad would be my guess.

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lordshin808 · #12 10-09-2018, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanC

That doesn't sound like it's foam bushings, in which case you'd hear loud clunks over pot holes. Broken spring, degraded rubber inside strut mount, or degraded spring pad would be my guess.

is this the spring pad?

i had it replaced two and half years ago about 35k miles ago. This was when I had my front struts replaced at the same time. Could it go bad already?

I do hear loud clunk going over pot holes.

I will definitely check for the broken spring.

Google44 · #13 10-09-2018, 12:00 PM

If you bottom of spring brakes it will sit uneven on the top. Hence the noise. I have put lots of lubricant on top thinking the same untill I jack the car up then see it broken in bottom.

SeanC · #14 10-09-2018, 12:20 PM

^^Correct. That's the spring pad that goes inside the mount.

It is not expected to go bad in that period of time, but I remember being very careful when assembling everything, since the correct orientation of the strut with respect to the spring is not easy to achieve, and could change while tightening the strut nut. I'd have recommended marking the position before disassembly of the strut, but I wouldn't trust that since your struts have already been "tinkered with".

The installer may not have paid close attention to the correct orientation when installing the struts, leading to premature wear on the pads, or incorrect orientation may also have caused a broken spring since then.

lordshin808 · #15 10-09-2018, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanC

^^Correct. That's the spring pad that goes inside the mount.

It is not expected to go bad in that period of time, but I remember being very careful when assembling everything, since the correct orientation of the strut with respect to the spring is not easy to achieve, and could change while tightening the strut nut. I'd have recommended marking the position before disassembly of the strut, but I wouldn't trust that since your struts have already been "tinkered with".

The installer may not have paid close attention to the correct orientation when installing the struts, leading to premature wear on the pads, or incorrect orientation may also have caused a broken spring since then.

ok I will double check the instructions in those pdfs. btw, when they mention left and right, is the left considered the driver's side?

you're referring to this section right?

Stud bolt (1) above recess (2) must point in direction of
travel (F)!
Coding (3) of spring pad must be seated in recess (2)
opposite stud bolt (1)!

SeanC · #16 10-09-2018, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordshin808

ok I will double check the instructions in those pdfs. btw, when they mention left and right, is the left considered the driver's side?

you're referring to this section right?

Stud bolt (1) above recess (2) must point in direction of
travel (F)!
Coding (3) of spring pad must be seated in recess (2)
opposite stud bolt (1)!

Left is the driver's side, correct. Yes, I'm referring to that section.

You'll also notice that spring pad will get squeezed and try to make it out of its place as you torque down the collar nut. To minimize this, compress the spring as much as safely as possible, and use liberal amounts of soapy water where the spring touches the pad before tightening the nut. If you have a sturdy bench vise you can clamp the strut, it'll make the job go easier.

lordshin808 · #17 10-10-2018, 09:45 AM

Hey Sean, so I jack the X5 and inspected the spring and strut. I didn't see any cracks or broken pieces of the spring. It looks intact.

I did notice the area right between the strut and spring pad. It looks like it's missing the foam pad #8 in this picture. Does it appear that way to you?

SeanC · #18 10-10-2018, 10:01 AM

It does appear that way to me. It may also be stuck to the top of the dust sleeve, in which case it wouldn't be visible from this angle. Can you stick a finger in there and feel for anything soft? (that's what she said).

FunfDreisig · #19 10-10-2018, 01:52 PM

This is my front strut with a bad lower guide support. Even if the guide is in pretty bad shape, it should be visible in your photo. If you’ve been hearing the clunks for awhile now, I’d guess that both the upper and lower guide supports are completely missing — even the telltale orangy power.

FWIW I have all the parts and plan to rebuild my struts this weekend. I’ll post photos.

Funf Dreisig
2009 X5 35d

lordshin808 · #20 10-10-2018, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

This is my front strut with a bad lower guide support. Even if the guide is in pretty bad shape, it should be visible in your photo. If you’ve been hearing the clunks for awhile now, I’d guess that both the upper and lower guide supports are completely missing — even the telltale orangy power.

FWIW I have all the parts and plan to rebuild my struts this weekend. I’ll post photos.

Funf Dreisig
2009 X5 35d

Thanks! yea I've been hearing the clunks first for a week and then the squealing noise started. I'm still waiting for the spring compressor and parts to arrive. Hopefully, I can start the rebuild soon. I only have time during the weekends too.

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