problem still persists - help needed!
 

Replaced lower control arm and sway bar link as suggested here

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ht=control+arm

still getting a clunking noise coming from the drivers footwell, evem when i'm doing like 2mph e.g. manouvering out of a parking spot, I get TWO clunks when I have full lock on and am going slow


any help would be appreciated


tia

FAR

that sounds like a worn tie rod to me.

sounds to me like a worn CV/knuckle joint. Does it only clunk at full left or right wheel turn/lock? if so..... as stated

It also knocks at 75% lock and 50% lock, basically it does it at low speeds but also at higher speeds when I go over a bump etc

Its doing my head in and no one can diagnose it!

far, try this.

with the engine off and steering unlocked. rock the wheel back and forth and listen. if you hear it then it's probably the tie rods.

Top marks mate!

I took the steering wheel lock off and moved the steering wheel left & right and the EXACT same noise happened - You da man!

Cant believe someone diagnosed this remotely from America when so many uk garages failed :thumbup:

Tie rods are not difficult to replace if you think about doing it yourself. You will need a puller ($15 tool) to ease the job and you will need an alignment after that.

thanks Alpac and well diagnosed earlier, am I correct in thinking that this problem can happen whatever 'turn' you have on the steering wheel and is not restricted to just full lock? I defo wanna make sure its the tierods before I start spending more quids

cheers

Far

Correct! Also depending how long you had your problem your front tires may start showing uneven wear.

ok cool - no uneven tire wire will have a look into replacing them

As I said tie rod replacement is a pretty easy job. When you remove the old one count how many turns it takes to get it out so as you can put the new one in with as many turns. In that way you will keep your alignment close to what it was but you will still need an alignment as soon as possible.

I seem to have the same problem, I thought it was from my lower control arms but when I turn the steering wheel I hear a fairly loud creaking sound. Let me know if the tie rod repair fixes the sound.

My BMW dealer found a fix for this same issue however it was only temporary and after 6 mnths it has started to come back, albeit not as frequent as before and it's generally when the suspension is in the lowest setting. I'm just learning to live with it.