help me track down a suspension rattle

[SF2000x5]

My crystal ball says coil #3 is next hahah might as well do the valve cover gasket(s) also

[Badsmerf]

Awesome! Now I can decide whether it is worth trying to replace the ball joint without any of the specialized tools....

[LightlyToasted]

Originally Posted by Badsmerf

Awesome! Now I can decide whether it is worth trying to replace the ball joint without any of the specialized tools....

Is the ball joint replaceable by itself? If so, any links to the part?


Replacing the whole control arm doesn't require any special tools.

[Badsmerf]

I've also replaced both arms, and I get the knocking on both sides (maybe I installed wrong?).

I thought there was a post here or bimmerfest where someone replaced the bushings and ball joints... but I might be just thinking about the bushings. ard has a memory like a steel trap, so maybe he'll point us to it.

[SF2000x5]

Originally Posted by Badsmerf

Awesome! Now I can decide whether it is worth trying to replace the ball joint without any of the specialized tools....

Might as well replace the arm for $80 since the bushing is usually fails first. Cost of the ball joint and bushing is probably close to $50 anyway.

[Badsmerf]

Good point. It has probably been 50k since I replaced them... would be my luck to do just the ball joints then have the bushings go bad lol.

[SF2000x5]

Originally Posted by Badsmerf

I've also replaced both arms, and I get the knocking on both sides (maybe I installed wrong?).

I thought there was a post here or bimmerfest where someone replaced the bushings and ball joints... but I might be just thinking about the bushings. ard has a memory like a steel trap, so maybe he'll point us to it.

Have you checked the strut mount bushings? 8 and 10

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0795

[Badsmerf]

Originally Posted by SF2000x5

Have you checked the strut mount bushings? 8 and 10

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0795

I did replace them. I thought I might have a strut problem for a long time since I was able to compress the strut by hand enough to get the doughnut underneath in without disassembly. Haven't been able to confirm what force is required to compress the strut itself from anyone.

[SF2000x5]

I replaced most front suspension components and still hear a slight knock going rolling low speed on slightly bumpy roads.

I think my struts are failing also but rather not spend $1400 on new front struts (EDC struts) on what I speculate is the problem. It doesn’t seem to bounce as if struts were blown but they’re likely original struts from 13 years ago.

How were you able to compress the strut? Were the parts off the car if you’re body weight helping you? This is the only way I imagine I’d be able to compress working struts.

[Badsmerf]

When you take off the nut on the top side, then jack up until the wheel is off the ground, you will have an almost fully extended strut. I used a long allen and was able to compress it through the wheel well with body weight. It wasn't easy, but easier than I expected it to be.

I'm sure they need to be replaced... I just don't want to replace them and NOT fix the knocking. If new thrust arms don't do it, I'll probably bite the bullet on black friday.