Squeak in 2011 e70 35d
 

Hi all. Our x35 Diesel just started this annoying squeak, I've disassembled a part of the dash and when I put my scope the squeak is very strong in the metal sub-assembly inside the dash.

But I have no idea where to start as I think it's coming from just under the dash but is also audible from outside the car.

It's pretty much when the car is moving. I've spent about 3 or 4 hours poking around, took apart most of the dash but short of removing the dashpad and wondering how others have dealt with it.

Not really looking forward to another insane dealer bill. Last one was $1800.

Here's a short recording of the sound.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/d1hsviwkU24wsb1YA

Check the front strut mounts. See if the foam "bushing" has deteriorated. If so, it's likely your strut mount washer is rubbing on the chassis. This was the exact sound we got from our 35d (but applicable to any e70). I have some pictures of what to look for. There are a few threads on the problem here.

Here you go:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ssemblies.html

The "dirt" that you see in the pictures is actually deteriorated foam. The offending washer is that large one under the aluminum brace in the picture. BTW, this will continue to get worse and eventually start knocking. Possibly damage something if in continued use. Take a look. I'm pretty sure that's your issue, but if you're lucky I'm wrong. Probably not a cheap repair if you have a dealer or indy do it.

https://i.postimg.cc/8Cw24GZv/20181221-125813.jpg

Edit: That washer is supposed to sit in the middle of the chassis hole for the strut mount. Here's a shot of a failed one vs a replaced one. This is exactly what ours looked like except the washer was actually rubbing against the chassis area. Photos courtesy of Funfdreisig.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...pper-guide.jpg

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...-installed.jpg

Cool will check out - would you think the top ones have the 'bushing'

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Yh...EPhfiAOeYgbbN3

^The washer should be in the middle of the circle in the chassis. If it's not, one (probably more) of the foam bushings have failed and your strut is leaning in causing the washer to rub on the chassis.

Great write up! I'll look and see how we can determine if that's the cause. I already have some lower control arm clunks so the suspension needs to come off.

You'll be surprised how much better the X drives after a suspension refresh. We thought ours was pretty smooth and didn't have any major (noisy) failures excepting the upper strut bushing failure. But if everything was coming off we were going to replace it all. Feels extremely tight and solid now. Much better drive and the alignment came into spec perfectly.

I found the same degraded foam under both strut mounts, so that's the path we will take. I guess it makes sense to change out the struts as well because we are there right? This is gonna be pricey.

I changed everything BUT the struts. Probably should have... and wish I had, but the truck has been driving phenomenally even still. All in for the front tension arms, inner/outer tie rods, lower control arms, sway bar end links, upper wishbones, strut mounts, and all the little foam pieces cost was ~$700 IIRC. Alignment was another $160. Not horrible. Took me about 6 hours to install due to fender liner removal. I can only imagine what a shop would charge to do this service. I'd guess at least $2000.

I've got the same chirping in the dash---could not locate the origin of the chirping/squeaking for a long drive across Texas---then got home and found this thread via a search---I have the exact same degraded upper shock bushing--on one side, washer rubbing inside the chassis circle. Will be replacing ASAP. Need to check lowers too. Is there a procedure thread somewhere?

EDIT--I FOUND THE THREAD REFERENCES ABOVE<THANK YOU!!

Many thanks!
Greg
Austin TX

One more question---my squeak is from the top large washer rubbing against the circular frame surround, metal-to-metal. Obviously the top of the strut is no longer centered. Does this mean that the top strut bearing needs to be replaced, along with the obvious disintegrating bushings? Are the bottom ones also known to wear at the same time?

My plan is to go ahead and purchase a complete strut rebuild kit and do both front sides. (Will tackle rear later!) Is there a one-stop US-based rebuild kit? I've seen several kits on Ebay but they all ship from China---would rather shop locally and get parts faster!