DIY: Replacing Front Sway Bar End Links X5 E70

[Muzimak]

Hey guys ran across this problem too, just wondering how problematic are the rear ones and what are the symptoms so I don't end up changing unnecessary stuff

[alefcole]

I have the metal clunk noise when going through some bumps. Its notorious that its mostly from right front wheel. Since passing with left wheel doesnt trigger the noise. Since this parts are cheap. I figure i will start with this job. But according to newsTIS info the tightening torq is 100Nm which is closer to 74ft lbs. Just wanted to share for those planning to replace this part.

[dakers717]

This is a perfect DIY write up. We are new owners of 2012 X5 and there is a knocking sound only on the driver side when going over speed bumps or potholes. Going to get the Front End Sway Bar Links on order from ECStuning and do this project for sure. For $18 each, I might as well just do the passenger side as well

We have 2 speed bumps in the neighborhood and it sounds like the wheel is going to fall off every time.

[Toothbrush]

Originally Posted by dakers717

This is a perfect DIY write up. We are new owners of 2012 X5 and there is a knocking sound only on the driver side when going over speed bumps or potholes. Going to get the Front End Sway Bar Links on order from ECStuning and do this project for sure. For $18 each, I might as well just do the passenger side as well

We have 2 speed bumps in the neighborhood and it sounds like the wheel is going to fall off every time.

Make sure you take a look at the strut bumps up top (under the hood). When those go, it'll seem like every bump is going to make the front half break off.

Easy to spot by looking for what might look like 'dirt' on top of the strut mount.

See here: (might not be as bad as the pics) https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e70-forum/109082-2009-x5-35d-front-strut-rebuild-diy.html

[dakers717]

Originally Posted by Toothbrush

Make sure you take a look at the strut bumps up top (under the hood). When those go, it'll seem like every bump is going to make the front half break off.

Easy to spot by looking for what might look like 'dirt' on top of the strut mount.

See here: (might not be as bad as the pics) https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e70-forum/109082-2009-x5-35d-front-strut-rebuild-diy.html

Good looking out. I took a look under the hood, and there is definitely some dust on the driver side strut. The passenger side looks like a new bushing, so was probably rebuilt before I took ownership.

I think I'll do the sway bar end links first since it is relatively easy and cheap, and mark the strut bushings for replacement on a later date. The DIY's are great though!!

[twarr1]

I planned to replace the front struts on my '07 X5 because of horrible clunking and rattling. I also ordered sway bar end links. The links came in, but the struts are backordered. While my son was working on replacing the headlight lenses I decided to put the links on. It was an easy job.
What a difference it made! No more noise and the car is noticeably 'tighter' now.

[newb2bimmer]

What is the proper way of holding the ball joint in a new end link to keep it from spinning as you put the new locking nut on? I could not find any place where you could put an open ended wrench on as most others do. I was too lazy to get my impact wrench out so I used a clamp but there must be a better way to do this.

[twarr1]

The links are broached for an allem or star socket. Put the wrench on, then the Allen socket in the end of the link.

[newb2bimmer]

Thanks I see it now. Well, next time!