steering column clunking sound
 

hey guys i started hearing a clunking noise and excess vibration while i would drive about 2 weeks ago, got it checked turns out L/S tie-rod end, i changed both tie-rod ends and ball joints, no more vibration

but i could still hear the loud clunk when i go over big bumps or when i turn the wheel all the way to the left and then just move it back and forth about 30* degrees

put truck on hoist checked stuff

turns out the steering column has up/down/side play in it and the sound comes from right where the shaft exits the firewall and i can feel it a little bit in the steering wheel

any suggestions?

i will spray the universal joints down with lithium greese and c if it makes a difference

there is a lower steering bushing that i can buy for around 25-30$ does anyone have any info on this

I think that I'm having the same problem

front sway bar link clunks if its bad.

hoping thats it and a simple fix for you.

its the steering shaft, it has side to side free play, when i reach over and grab the shaft above the double ujoint and shake it it makes the same clunk clunk noise when im driving

the driving clunk is very rare only over big bumps which give the steering shaft air time basicaly

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.8is STEER.COL.-LOWER JOINT ASSY

is there any replacible bushings on NO1?

It's funny you should bring this up- My 03 4.6 has just developed a noise similar to what you're talking about. I had it to a local shop, one which I have no prior experience with (enter caveat) so the veracity of what they're saying is up for grabs: He believes it to be an issue with the connection points for the front struts- I'm going to have a my guy look at if after the holidays- I also have an issue with a steering wheel clunk that seems to be localized in the steering rack- not sure what the frequency for replacement of same is, but right now I'm at 170K (Kms)/or about 106K Miles. Thus far it has been great kit, and goes like stink. Happy with the purchase, and I promise to post pictures and opines when I have more time- Hope you all have a blast on the roads and Santa brings you your gear-head gifts!!

Sorry, should add "at the top of the strut towers".