Front Suspension Noise
 

Hi Everyone - I have a loud clunk coming out of the driver's side front wheel section of the suspension whenever I go over a large bump/pothole in the road. Driving on solid road everything is tight and there is no noise; however, like I stated, over large bumps you can really hear it.

I thought for sure, based on what I read in the How To X5 section, that it was the sway bar links. So I bought them and had my mechanic install; however, noise is still there. I talked to my BMW tech friend and he stated 99.9% of the time the clunking noise is the sway bar links. Look like it's something else. Any suggestions?

Truck has sport suspension option and has 60K miles.

Thanks to all who answer.

clunk at 60k? Could be anything in the front end that has a bushing or ball joint. There is a ball joint, wishbone control arm, and tension strut (thrust arm). If you have shaking under hard braking from your steering wheel I'd look into the thrust arms, those are common maintenance items.

Check CV joints as well.

Guys - I took the truck to a front end specialist and when he drove the it, he said he believes its the strut mounts. He said while he's in there, he likes to change the struts too. Now, I know he's not padding the bill b/c I'm getting the parts

I ordered the mounts from my local BMW dealer and used my friend's account for the discount. However, they want $850 for both front struts. The mechanic recommended I go with Bilstein and he's gonna get me a price.

I called my friend who works at an auto parts store and he has KYB for $320/pair but he felt the Bilsteins were better.

Any recommendations?

Should I go with Bilsteins or KYB or do I bite the bullet and go with OE?

Thanks to all who answer

I was getting a creaking noise from my front passenger strut. I have 4 corner air suspension. I noticed that the 3 nuts that secure the top of the strut were loose. I tightened them down and now there is no more noise. I have noticed that the studs on the top of the drivers strut are longer than the studs on the passenger side. Does anyone know if this should be like this?

Sounds like your strut mount has been replaced once already? Previous owner probably ran over something and messed up the strut mount. Either way, I would just tighten the nuts and drive it. Check every day until you are sure they aren't loosening on their own.

I had both front air struts replaced a few years ago with remanufactured arnott air struts (the strut mounts were not replaced when this was done. I am not sure if the air struts have the same strut mounts that the non air struts have?). I am basically doing what you said. I tightened it all back up and am keeping my eye on it.

Check the sway bar links. They can loosen up and cause this thunking noise can happen.

^ This. Replace them and it should solve your problem.

The problem was that the nuts that hold the strut on the top were loose. It produced a creaking noise. I know this thunking noise that you are talking about. It definitely wasn't a thunking noise. Very much a creak which makes perfect sense. The nuts holding the top of the strut were loose so every time there is an impact to the strut, the strut is moving against the strut mount. This should all have no movement.