Front Suspension noise
 

G'day from down under,

My 2001 4.4 has a knock in the front end, most noticeable when going over abrupt speed bumps...had the dealer look at it ,but could not find a problem. When driving over rough ground I can feel a looseness under the front somewhere. Has anybody had similar problems??? Does the X5 have shock absorber issues???

Any help will be most appreciated :)

If it's not the lower control arms then it may be the swing support link that go between the struts and the front stabilizer bar. It would be the part labeled as number 7 in this diagram - http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...23&hg=31&fg=10

Thanks for that...if I jack up the front, can you check for excessive play with the suspension extended or does the car need to be on the ground (suspension compressed)???

you should be able to just slide under there and look (or jack up the front and take off the wheels). these are non-adjustable end-links so its a no-brainer. either they are on, or they are off. one end attaches to the sway bar and the other to the body of the shock absorber. make sure the end-links aren't bent.

Thank you for your advice...I will check it out next weekend.

I'm having that same knocking from the driver's side. I've got an 01 4.4 with 57k on her. I checked lower suspension components, got no play in anything, so now I'm thinking it's a strut going bad. I should be able to get to it this week and I'll get back on this thread when I know more.

JV

I'm thinking mine may be struts as well...I get a rattle from the steering and front end when going over small corrogation type bumps???

Look forward to your results JVZ104

There's a service note that may interest you...
 

I'm having this done on my 4.8iS in about a week, obviously under warranty:

SI B 31 01 05
Body Equipment May 2005
Technical Service

SUBJECT
Front Wheel Bearing Noise

MODEL
E53 (X5) produced up to January 2005.

SITUATION
Metallic knocking noise heard coming from the front axle area or through the floor panel.

CAUSE
The wheel bearing seat comes loose in the swivel bearing.

CORRECTION

Confirm the wheel bearing noise:

Bring the front axle components to normal operating temperature by driving and braking repeatedly for about 10 minutes.

Drive a complete circle with the steering wheel in full lock position to produce a high lateral acceleration.

Stop the vehicle and, with the vehicle in a stationary position, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction for three turns. Do not turn to the full lock position.

Engage reverse gear and pull away abruptly. Listen for a brief, distinct metallic knocking noise to confirm the wheel bearing noise.

This Service Information does not apply if a rattling or chattering noise is heard.

The wheel bearing noise may be resonated to the transfer case via output shafts. Replacing the output shafts or the transfer case will not remedy the situation.

PROCEDURE
Once the wheel bearing noise has been confirmed, both front wheel bearings and drive flanges can be replaced by following the Repair Instruction RA 31 21 180.

NOTES

Ensure that the bearing press fit area is clean and free of oil and grease.

Coat wheel bearing seat in the swivel bearing over 50% of its length with either Loctite 648 (3 hours curing time at 70°F) or Loctite 638 (6 hours curing time at 70°F).

It is important to observe the curing time and the ambient temperature. It may take up to 24 hours curing time if either Loctite is applied at 40°F.

During curing time, do not move the vehicle or use brakes.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Information only.

[ Copyright © 2005 BMW of North America, LLC ]

My suspension noises are much more noticeable the first 5-10 mins of driving, and only under 45mph. I'll have to try that test flight you pasted, thanks a lot.

JV

I tried that test flight, that wasn't my issue. After getting the X up in the air, I found some very minor play in the sway bar links, I mean, really minimal play too. I didn't notice this during my first look at the undercarriage. This being the only thing with any play in my front suspension, I am going to replace the sway bar links.

31356750703 For the Left Side

31356750704 For the Right Side

Got mine on ebay for $55. I'll try to take pics and do an article on the removal and replacement within the next two weeks. Lots of steamed crabs and beer between now and then.

JV