"Clunking" noise coming from front end...help!
 

:tsk: So over the past few weeks I have noticed what can only be described as a loud clunking noise coming from the driver's side front wheel well every time I hit any sort of bump...:( The noise has only gotten louder and now I get it every time I go over a speed bump or pull into my driveway. Can anyone tell me what the problem might be??

My money says you have the "Swing Support" links going bad. See part number 7 in this diagram - http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...23&hg=31&fg=10

since we're on the subject of clunk noise, i noticed a clunk clunk clunk (or click click click) noise that comes from the front it seems also, when i come down to a stop....not sure what that is, i think ill drop it off to the dealer on monday but thats really annoying. sounds like a 20yo truck that needs repair! its terrible!!!!! i tried to do an engine slow down and i dont hear the clunk clunk cllunk, im wondering if this is also related to the brembos? but i dont think so....

im not sure if its the same noise as i heard on our ford f150 pick up truck. but i heard the same noise, and after i looked around the front area turned out that the brake caliper unit was loose and it was clunking around there. we had just gotten it back from pepboys and this was the second time last time the damn oil filter come off with have a twist bc we say oil dripping and my dad grabbed to clean it and he twisted it about 4 inches i would say and voila it came off. but yea back to the clunk noise ours came from the brake caliper unit being loose.
also on my X, my clunking came from the fact that the boot had bursted and all the grease came out and the axle was basically breaking down and it was clunking quietly then got louder.

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If not sway bar links, check out the control arms.

I have the same problem on my 05 4.4 and I took it in 3 times before and they couldn't find the problem.. The clicking noise is very annoying but sometimes it seems to go away when the car been sitting for a while.. For the clunking noise it seems to happen when the car is cold. When I was up in Tahoe it keeps making that noise but it seems to go away when its in warmer weather..

thanks guys, will point my SA and tech to the suggestions here on monday...it HAS been getting a little colder out here in so cal...but we'll see, will report back when its done.

94502 - My clunking noise also seems to be a lot louder on colder mornings...since its been warming up here in NC the sound hasnt been as prevalent, but just recently I've started to hear it no matter what the temperature is outside.

Don't know if it's the same noise, but I noticed some noise coming from the front as well when I go over bumps, but it happens only when I don't go over the bumps slowly. I passed it off as the shocks/springs/etc. compressing and rebounding from the weight of the X5. I guess this is not normal? :dunno:

NO NOISE SHOULD BE NORMAL thats what I'm thinking! LOL

x5GuyInLA - I thought the same thing until the noise got really loud, I'd go with kirk and say no noise is the way its supposed to be

A "CLUNK" will likely be sway bar links, a "POP" will likely be control arm. Either is more likely to be heard at low speeds while changiing direction swiftly or going over a bump.

JV

is this something that would need dealer attention?

You should really get it looked at asap when you start hearing suspension noises. Ignoring it for too long could lead to bad things and more $$ out of pocket down the line.

JV

:iagree: when my drive front axle boot failed and the greese came out. I called to the dealer to look at and they made an appointment. By the time i went to the dealer the failed boot caused a tone of vibration that cuased the axle ot breake and caused the mount that holds the axle which is part of the mount that holds the engine also to be louse and cracked. so when i got to the dealer ship guess what they tried to do.... they tried to say i had an accident.....i was o furious i mean how stupid do you have to be....the rep was like well we can see the failed boot and axle but the mount is in bad condiion as if in an accident ..........my parents came with me and lol my mother cussed the rep out hahhahah i was laughing i mean comme on driving at 70 mph with an axle thats broken tahts bounching up and down u can hear it also.....and its hard to see how the mount got damaged idiots.... anyway my point was that you should definitly take it in as soon as possible...

Thanx for the info JV and Artman, I'll definitely give the dealer a call to bring the X in.

I've replaced the sway bar links, lower control arms, ball joints, inner/outer tie rods. it's gotten better but there's still a clunk. the steering and suspension feels tighter but there's still the noise which seemingly occurs at random.

Did you do it or did you have a shop do it? Everything torqued to factory spec?

What year/how many miles on your X?

JV

I recently had a similar problem, took it in to my dealer for inspection, and was told it was the anti roll bar link, which was replaced under warranty.

Sounds like it might be the same thing - especially noticeable at low speeds.

Alright, brought the X to my local dealer yesterday. Technician took out for a test drive and could not replicate the noise...they say there's nothing wrong. It's kind of aggravating that I hear it going over my campus' speed bumps every day but when I need to replicate the noise so the tech can fix it, the car sounds perfect. Might take it to another dealer or an independent BMW tech and have them inspect it too just to be sure.

Did you ride with the tech? Maybe they are not testing it properly. BTW mine has this mysterious clunk that the dealer hasn't been able to find- new sway bar links, bushings, steering rack. Same symptoms as you- low speed (parking lot) bumps cause a front suspension clunk. I went for a ride with the tech, and he heard it, but couldn't find.

I did it myself. torqued to spec stated on the ETK. it's a 2002 4.4 SP with 80k miles. the noise started about 70k.

Mack - Yea I went and rode with the tech. We tested it at slow speeds, high speeds, braking, and about 20 different speed bumps. Only heard the noise once or twice. Tech put it up on the lift and inspected everything, couldn't find a thing. He said there's been one or two other Xs to come in with this problem and left without it being solved. Wonder if there is anyone that has found a cause to the sound b/c it is really pissing me off.

I wonder if your strut is making that noise? Are you the original owner?

JV

I'd be willing to bet your noise would be gone if they replaced your sway bar links. You can't tell if they're worn so good while the X is up in the air.

JV

godeacs06- I'm with you- noises like this drive me crazy. The one place no one has looked on mine and probable yours is the upper strut bearing and cushion. I will check this myself- but I need to wait until spring here in the east. It seems that mine only makes noise on the "rebound" ie- not on the compression of the strut, but on the extension. It doesn't seem like it's in the steering or bushings anywhere- more like a loose mount somewhere. With mine, you can hear it more easily in an uneven parking lot at low speeds- find a box store like Home Depot, WalMart, etc and go less than 10MPH- that's when I hear mine. Keep us posted if you find anything.

mine is definitely coming from down low. not up top where the strut bearing (camber plate). I'm going to check the sub frame bolts next.

i have the same exact problem on my list of problems. And the dealer after several atempts can not find the problem

Wow, its really weird that there's so many of us with the exact same problems. Someone surely needs to find something!

Any of you lowering your car before this problem appears? Just wonder.

I had the same problems...nothing ever fixed it until I got my ball joints replaced last week. Clunking/noise gone. $330 partss/labor @ Morristown BMW.

Along w/ the ball joints I also had my front axle assembly's replaced bc of a torn axle boots and grease leaking all over the place. This coould also be the root of the noise that has since susbsided, I would suggest asking stealer to look at this also to be sure. Axles were covered under my CPO warranty...

Lot goes wrong with my non-sport '01 3.0 at 82k miles.

mines been doing it since brand new.

Chubyball- Mine is bone stock. I don't believe that I have a ball joint issue- they were replaced at 44K, this problem appeared at 65-70K.

clunk
 

It is a swing arm connecting rod. Not too serious, takes about 25 min to change. Part costs $70 from dealer(canadian dollars). Ijust had one changed last week, and cured the problem.

Ok Got My Problem Fixed Today, The Clunk Clunk Noise For Me Was That The "rt Front Brake Line Clip Was Missing. Replaced Under Warranty. Brake Line Still Good And Not Worn". That Took Care Of That! Yeeeeehaw!

I'm getting this clunking at 48000 KM (about 30K Miles). It's on the drivers side and it keeps allowing me to lock (or at least get the ABS working) on that one wheel.

On a right hand bend I touched the brakes mid-corner and the ABS cut right in. Perfectly dry road - didn't expect that at all. I guess there is not as much grip on that wheel when you have a suspension problem. Not damping correctly perhaps.

It'll be in the dealer as soon as they decide to answer their phone.

Same exact issue here. Been in twice to the dealer... and they tell me they can't replicate it - VERY easy to replicate it. They keep telling me it's the air suspension.

What did your issue turn out to be?

Craig

To be honest I was in such a rush when I picked the car up that I didn't even find out. They mentioned the front strut when the car was taken in. There was a visual clue to the problem as well. When the car was parked and running there was a height difference from the ground to the bottom of the arch above the wheel. It was about a 4 finger gap between the wheel and arch on the left, but only 2 on the right. Once they'd seen this I was told "no problem we'll call you in a couple of days."

The car is much better now - feels like new agin.

I had the same issue from when I picked up my '04 X5 in 2/04, it was in the shop at 600 miles, never could fix the problem.
Low speeds while turning, in reverse, and faster turning while going forward would make the pop or thud, whatever the sound, happen.
BMW flew a technician in to Dallas who was supposed to be the guy who knew everything, I drove him, the service manager, and my service representative around and demonstrated the noise, you could even feel it on the floorboard.
After 5 visits to the shop, they replaced the vehicle.
So I got an '05 in 11/04, and the damn thing has the same problem, I haven't even taken it in.

I just got my 04 4.8 back from the dealership with the same clicking/ clunk issue from the front drivers side. My X had 19kmi at the time. The dealership replaced a strut and wheel bearing under warranty. I'll be honest the clunk has been significantly reduced but I still hear it every great once in a while although it may be in my head. The dealership originally was going to replace the whole steering column but ended up not thinking it was not the problem. I'm still listening for the noise.

Sway bar link- too cheap a part not to replace and see if your noise disappears.

that is some s***!!!!! Never got that problem fixed on my 05 4.4 also.. Dealer can't find out whats the problem. I am waiting for my brother to start working for BMW and hope he can fix everything..

That would be awesome! Please let us know what your brother finds out!

I have this problem too and I am about to investagate whats wrong. I am going to change part 7 Left/Right Swing support and see if that does it. While I am at it buying parts, anything else I should consider replacing. btw, last year I had both boots replaced due to the boot rubbers breaking but thats all fixed under warrenty and I still hear the noise. it normally happens when I go over subtle bumps or when is turning at low speeds like leaving a gas station as I ride off the curb in a turn.

I just ordered thrust rod bushing, lower control arm, ball joints and swaybar links. I'm at 99k miles now. everything except the thrust arm was replaced at 60k.

also doing waterpump, radiator, valley pan and all the crap that's attached to the rear water "log". I can't imagine the $$$$ I'll spend if I took it to the dealer.

Good to read you again, JP!

Sounds like the symptoms of a bad link. I had the boots replaced at around 75K.

:bump: for others to chime in on your questions about parts.

Hey JV, thanks, I've been a little preoccupied with life for a bit. So is the swing support the link you are talking about?

Thanks for your input fast4d

I had the clunking on the driver side when backing out of a parking spot. The stealer "replaced the left front wheel bearing, wheel hub, dust covers as per SIB 31 01 01." The noise is gone . . . so far.

Hey fast4d, do you have part # for the parts that were replaced?

That's it. My noises went away after replacing them.

I just picked up my 2003 3.0 from the dealer Monday after having the same problem worked on. They replaced the right side bearing, linkage and control arm. After 30 miles the problem returned. I am on my way back again.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ght=thrust+arm

Check this thread too...

you can get the BMW part numbers at www.realoem.com

I order aftermarket replacement parts unless they are not available. much cheaper, no tax and free shipping at bimmerzone.com

Qty Brand Sku Description Retail Price Core Total
2.00 AAA:FEB L2020-178398 Ball Joint 50.50 27.01 0.00 54.02
1.00 AAA:VCO L2000-178402 Control Arm 225.00 68.68 0.00 68.68
1.00 AAA:VCO L2000-178403 Control Arm 225.00 69.78 0.00 69.78
2.00 AAA:FEB L2074-175030 Track Rod Bushing 35.00 32.00 0.00 64.00
1.00 AAA:LEM L1030-119043 Sway Bar Link 33.25 30.21 0.00 30.21
1.00 AAA:LEM L1030-119044 Sway Bar Link 33.25 30.39 0.00 30.39

Thanks for the replies. Fortunately, it is still under warranty for 100 miles. I will make sure it is fixed this time and will mention the the parts.

Hi !

Could it be something like this?:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...e-heating.html

Should mine be under warrenty?? I am not done with the last leg of my CPO warrenty, have 61k on it with a few months left to the warrenty.

However, I already replaced the swing support and when doing so we noticed the left wishbone had lots of play at the mount connecting to the front axle support. I am going to order both left and right now. The swing supports were a little worn, more so on the left and the upper bushing on the swing support was broken. The ride feels a little better with them but the banging is still there and its obvious that the wishbone is the problem.

Just got these prices from crevier bmw for the wishbones. Seems a bit high to me.

1 31-12-6-760-275 WISHBONE 1 180.00

2 31-12-6-760-276 WISHBONE 1 180.00

3 31-12-1-092-107 HEX NUT M14X1.5 1 0.67

4 31-12-1-124-622 RUBBER MOUNT 1 12.07
5 31-12-6-750-071 COLLAR SCREW 1 1.36

6 33-32-6-760-668 HEXT NUT W/FLANG 1 0.44

That is what im going to do. Order these parts for mine. $330 shipped. cant beat that..

Damn where did you order from? I just hit 100K and never fixed anything in the X. I've been lucky so far but started hearing noises in the front. I'm about to bring it in for a complete make over. So if you don't mind sharing your sources.
Tx.

You got PM

Problem fixed. Got my parts from Bimmerzone. and replaced the tension strut, ball joint, control arm and swaybar link. The control arm was destroyed. I could move the joint by hand...

My clunking noise is getting bad! I wonder why my first visit to the dealer they couldn't find this problem?! They replaced a strut and a wheel bearing. That got rid of part of the noise but only to create another louder harsher one.

I jacked my front end up and pulled on the tire. It moved alot. That was my control arm. It made the same noise as when i was driving. My tension strut and swaybar link were fine. But replaced them anyway.

Sorry to bring this thread up again, but I'm experiencing the same symptoms as everyone else. Kucak, did replacing the tension strut, ball joint, control arm, and sway bar link help? I'm going to the dealer and see what they find on Friday. I still have a warranty, but it ends at 100k, I'm at 91k. Hopefully this can be repaired now. Anyone else get to the bottom of this problem. Is it the control arms the whole problem, or all the above? Thanks for any of your inputs.

Same here!
 

This happened to me about a year ago (along with "selflevel susp inact"). I had the clumps. The first dealership I went to was lame... and they gave up on me. I picked up my X and drove it straight to another dealer and they took care of it.

So what was the problem? I need to know before I go to the dealer on Friday. This way I can give them some idea's so that they wont try to screw around with me. Thanks.

I asked the SA but he never told me and the paperwork was not specific... sorry

I've started getting the "clunk" noise a few months ago. and it is getting worse. i've jacked up the car, checked everything, and it all seems fine. last week, my "selflevel susp inact" messages started to appear. do you think this is related? What is being done to fix the clunking problem? I really don't want to take it to the dealer, and i'd rather just replace the items myslef.

I had the "clunks" and selflevel susp inact error at the same time. After 5 trips to the dealer, everything seems to be fine.

Update! Went to dealer today, and it turned out to be my sway bar links. Replaced both and no more noise!!! :rofl: At the same time, I took out my original three spoke wheel, and upgraded to the M-Spoke wheel with the tri-stitching. :thumbup: This wheel feels so much better then the other one. Love the thumb rests. Will take some pics soon. Sorry, just wanted to share the info with everyone.

Wow! so many
 

X5 2001 69000 Miles, 3.0i


Hooray!!!!!!!, noise gone, got it fixed like the link said, sway bar link problem. After changing the sway bar link, should I have my car realignment or balanced?



http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ow+speed+clunk


Thanks for the DIY, I can overcome the noise problem:


http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/s...-link-diy.html


In addition to the DIY, here is my 2 cent:


Notice that lower end, plastic cushion collapse inward. That is the source of noise.

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/7/1/6/4/CIMG1913.JPG

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/7/1/6/4/CIMG1914.JPG

Normally, Plastic cushion was puff.

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/7/1/6/4/CIMG1915.JPG

However, open wrench gives me headache, wrench was too fat, have to use pliers to hold the other side so that I can tight the nuts, or you can find other tools as long as you can hold it up.

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/7/1/6/4/CIMG1912.JPG

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/7/1/6/4/CIMG1911.JPG

Jack up the front wheels center point, otherwise, if you just jack up one side, like changing tires, the sway bar links will be too tight to take off. Because the stablizer bar will be off level, pull sway bar link tight from the strut.

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/7/1/6/4/CIMG1917.JPG

You always have a backup safety as I did, in case when you are taking off the tire or tightening up the nuts, you may rock the car and loosen the jack. You do not want 2 tons metal pile up on you, unless your life insurance coverage is pretty optimistic for your beneficiary.

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/7/1/6/4/CIMG1916.JPG

The woodboard is protect chasis from rubbing off rusty coat by the bricks.

Bring this thread back again. I'm having issues when I turn the wheel to the right. Like when I'm driving about 15-20 mph and I jerk the wheel from right to left I can make something pop at all times. It's like something is popping out and going back into its place? Can someone shed some light here for me, I'm pissed because I just came back from the dealer for this reason and they said it was my thrust rods, so they replaced both under warranty but the noise is still there. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clunking Noise
 

Service Dept replaced steering rack and upper ball joint on passenger side when I had this problem.

I got it fixed. It was the control are that was loose. Who ever worked on it last didn't tighten it enough. Thanks for your reply...

Guys beware. I changed out my sway bars. Still have the clunking. Went to my local guy today. Put it on the rack and I was able to physically shake my tire. My control arms are both bad. Worse on the drivers side. One way to check if it's your control arms is to pump your brakes when coming to a stop sign. See if you get a clunking sound. It felt like my calipers were loose, but they weren't. Control arms are under $90 ea. My local guy will replace them for $80. Doing it on Monday. Ordered the parts from partsgeek.com.

My X5 too has developed this clunking sound for about 2 weeks now when I hit bumps even at a slow speed. Seems to be louder on the front passenger side. Thought it could be a problem with the air suspension (no faults though and I can still raise and lower the height) and my indy states that since my X5 has under 50,000 miles, he doesn't think it's the air suspension. Just dropped it off this morning and I hope all is resolved. ::::crosses fingers:::: :nervous:

clunking noise
 

Had it to, checked everythink, found lose nuts and bolts
on my stabilizer bar, where bushing sit in a bracket, fastened them all with my power ratched, and guess what
clunking is gone.

kuddel;)