Finally Fixed!!... Clunk in Steering/Suspension incl Diagnostics

dave405nyc · 06-23-2016, 01:00 PM

I've been living with this issue since I got the car CPO'ed last year. Dealer acknowledges the clunk but says BMW won't change the steering rack because it doesn't affect anything else otherwise. Has anyone recently been able to get this fixed under warranty?

razzy530 · 06-23-2016, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave405nyc

I've been living with this issue since I got the car CPO'ed last year. Dealer acknowledges the clunk but says BMW won't change the steering rack because it doesn't affect anything else otherwise. Has anyone recently been able to get this fixed under warranty?

I did. I got my steering rack replaced with no questions asked. Try another, better reputable dealer, is my suggestion. SO far my noise is gone. Lets see what happens. I only have a couple hundred miles on the NEW rack.

Jetsurly · 06-23-2016, 02:01 PM

I feel like I might have this problem. They are telling me my front left tire is "cupping". But im not sure...

jkwhar · 06-23-2016, 06:14 PM

I have an appointment next wed for the same thunk sound when turning my steering side to side with the car off along with a hollow-ish sound going over bumps or rough roads. MY 4/13 328i sport line without DHP.

alan_mpower · 06-24-2016, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elrey21

After months of torture with this noise its finally fixed. Got my car back after 2 and half weeks at the dealer. This was the third and final time I tried getting this problem fixed before I lemoned the car. Here is what the dealer found. It turned out to be something loose inside of the steering column. I know others have had this issue so heres the info. I just hope it doesnt come back.

Attachment 817784

what was the problem

dave405nyc · 07-06-2016, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkwhar

I have an appointment next wed for the same thunk sound when turning my steering side to side with the car off along with a hollow-ish sound going over bumps or rough roads. MY 4/13 328i sport line without DHP.

jkwhar how did your appointment go?

jkwhar · 07-06-2016, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave405nyc

jkwhar how did your appointment go?

Still at the dealer waiting. I'll update once I hear from them.

spiff56747 · 07-08-2016, 11:31 PM

I had this replaced about 6 months ago (steering rack). The noise is back now - new dealer appointment here I come

jkwhar · 07-11-2016, 04:08 PM

Dealer states they could not replicate the noise. Even showed them the OP's screen shot but no go. And the wait for a tech to test drive with me was too long. I'm going to try a different dealer and see what they say in a few weeks.

dave405nyc · 07-13-2016, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkwhar

Dealer states they could not replicate the noise. Even showed them the OP's screen shot but no go. And the wait for a tech to test drive with me was too long. I'm going to try a different dealer and see what they say in a few weeks.

Thanks, please keep me posted! I'm going to make an appointment with BMW Bayside soon as well.

AC792 · 07-27-2016, 03:49 PM

I just got my car back from getting the rack replaced. Exact same noises as the OP. The clicking is still in the steering wheel when I turn side to side but the thunk isn't as noticeable. However, when going over bumps or uneven road, the noise is still the same on the left side. Something sounds loose and it is driving me nuts.

spiff56747 · 09-07-2016, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiff56747

I had this replaced about 6 months ago (steering rack). The noise is back now - new dealer appointment here I come

Has anybody had the steering rack replaced and had the noise go away only to come back a few months later? I wonder if there is a permanent solution?

etinifni · 09-13-2016, 06:27 AM

Have you checked thrust arm bushings?

jkwhar · 09-13-2016, 08:59 AM

Brought this up when my car went in for service and they still can't replicate it or notice anythings wrong.

spiff56747 · 09-15-2016, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etinifni

Have you checked thrust arm bushings?

Thanks but I looked those up and it doesn't sound like that from a youtube video. More of a clunking sound than a constant one.

etinifni · 09-16-2016, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiff56747

Quote:

Originally Posted by etinifni

Have you checked thrust arm bushings?

Thanks but I looked those up and it doesn't sound like that from a youtube video. More of a clunking sound than a constant one.

I just looked at the videos on YouTube and the only ones I could find (no F series) were bushings that were completely failed. I'm getting ready to replace mine on my '12 328i F30. I notice a "clunk" when I'm coming to a stop from a slow speed, usually when I'm pulling out of my parking lot. When I took it to the dealer they put it up on a lift and you could see where the bushing was starting to crack and the wheel had significantly more play when shaking it than the other wheel which has a bushing without wear.

EvenKeel · 09-19-2016, 09:14 AM

Have them check the inner tie rods. My symptoms were similar. The replacement of the inner tie rod resolved the low speed parking lot thunk.

etinifni · 09-19-2016, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvenKeel

Have them check the inner tie rods. My symptoms were similar. The replacement of the inner tie rod resolved the low speed parking lot thunk.

Would that cause wheel movement when shaking while car in lift?

spiff56747 · 03-28-2017, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etinifni

I just looked at the videos on YouTube and the only ones I could find (no F series) were bushings that were completely failed. I'm getting ready to replace mine on my '12 328i F30. I notice a "clunk" when I'm coming to a stop from a slow speed, usually when I'm pulling out of my parking lot. When I took it to the dealer they put it up on a lift and you could see where the bushing was starting to crack and the wheel had significantly more play when shaking it than the other wheel which has a bushing without wear.

Doesn't sound the same but could be. Mine is a popping sound when you go over the reflectors on the freeway, or becomes a more pronounced clunking if you are turning right and going over bumps.

My old dealer replaced the left strut and left strut mount and claimed the noise was gone and it wasn't. Finally after the steering rack and outer tie rods were replaced it went away. No charge for any of this.

My new dealer will charge $197 for diagnostics + replacement cost if it's not covered under CPO, and $50 deductible otherwise. I may go to get it done, would be better if they had a permanent solution. Also curious if this problem exists on later model years.

etinifni · 03-28-2017, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiff56747

Quote:

Originally Posted by etinifni

I just looked at the videos on YouTube and the only ones I could find (no F series) were bushings that were completely failed. I'm getting ready to replace mine on my '12 328i F30. I notice a "clunk" when I'm coming to a stop from a slow speed, usually when I'm pulling out of my parking lot. When I took it to the dealer they put it up on a lift and you could see where the bushing was starting to crack and the wheel had significantly more play when shaking it than the other wheel which has a bushing without wear.

Doesn't sound the same but could be. Mine is a popping sound when you go over the reflectors on the freeway, or becomes a more pronounced clunking if you are turning right and going over bumps.

My old dealer replaced the left strut and left strut mount and claimed the noise was gone and it wasn't. Finally after the steering rack and outer tie rods were replaced it went away. No charge for any of this.

My new dealer will charge $197 for diagnostics + replacement cost if it's not covered under CPO, and $50 deductible otherwise. I may go to get it done, would be better if they had a permanent solution. Also curious if this problem exists on later model years.

Well I replaced both left & right tension struts when I installed Dinan lowering springs but I still have this issue.

spiff56747 · 03-28-2017, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etinifni

Well I replaced both left & right tension struts when I installed Dinan lowering springs but I still have this issue.

I ended up re reading this entire thread more closely after writing my response

It sounds like the verdict is that if you have a clunk while moving and possibly turning, it's most likely the steering rack. Replacing it fixes it, but it will likely come back again. Sucks that BMW doesn't have a permanent solution.

The clunk while stationary and turning the wheel seems like a different issue.

Aaroona · 05-14-2017, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etinifni

Would that cause wheel movement when shaking while car in lift?

This is EXACTLY the question I want to know. (sorry about reviving an old thread... but seems to be exactly what I'm experiencing)
My out of warranty F30 now has the same issue.
I had it on a lift the other day and noticed a little bit of play in the front drivers wheel (right hand... NZ). Very very small, but enough to make a little noise (clunk) when I pull on the steering the same way the videos earlier in the threat indicate.

THe steering rack replacement seems a little drastic doesn't it? Could this not just be the ball-joint that is attached to the tie rod?

06-23-2016, 01:00 PM	#45
dave405nyc New Member 6 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2013 328xi Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I've been living with this issue since I got the car CPO'ed last year. Dealer acknowledges the clunk but says BMW won't change the steering rack because it doesn't affect anything else otherwise. Has anyone recently been able to get this fixed under warranty?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2016, 02:01 PM	#47
Jetsurly Private First Class 46 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 2014 328i xDrive Sport Line Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (0)	I feel like I might have this problem. They are telling me my front left tire is "cupping". But im not sure...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2016, 06:14 PM	#48
jkwhar Captain 172 Rep 740 Posts Drives: F30 328i Xdrive \| F15 x35i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (7)	I have an appointment next wed for the same thunk sound when turning my steering side to side with the car off along with a hollow-ish sound going over bumps or rough roads. MY 4/13 328i sport line without DHP.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-08-2016, 11:31 PM	#52
spiff56747 Private 35 Rep 96 Posts Drives: 2012 335i 6 speed Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	I had this replaced about 6 months ago (steering rack). The noise is back now - new dealer appointment here I come
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2016, 04:08 PM	#53
jkwhar Captain 172 Rep 740 Posts Drives: F30 328i Xdrive \| F15 x35i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (7)	Dealer states they could not replicate the noise. Even showed them the OP's screen shot but no go. And the wait for a tech to test drive with me was too long. I'm going to try a different dealer and see what they say in a few weeks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-27-2016, 03:49 PM	#55
AC792 Lieutenant 60 Rep 541 Posts Drives: 2012 F30 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (4)	I just got my car back from getting the rack replaced. Exact same noises as the OP. The clicking is still in the steering wheel when I turn side to side but the thunk isn't as noticeable. However, when going over bumps or uneven road, the noise is still the same on the left side. Something sounds loose and it is driving me nuts. __________________ Now: 2012 F30 335i / 6MT / JB4 / ER Catless DP Sold: 2010 Jeep GC SRT8 Sold: 2007 E90 335i / 6MT / JB4 / Vishnu Exhaust / VMR 710 19" / BMS DCI / HKS Blow Off Valve / Tinted Tails / Clutch Stop
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-13-2016, 06:27 AM	#57
etinifni Captain 203 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2012 328i Modern Line Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i Moder ... [0.00]	Have you checked thrust arm bushings? __________________ :wave:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-13-2016, 08:59 AM	#58
jkwhar Captain 172 Rep 740 Posts Drives: F30 328i Xdrive \| F15 x35i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (7)	Brought this up when my car went in for service and they still can't replicate it or notice anythings wrong.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2016, 09:14 AM	#61
EvenKeel Captain 418 Rep 886 Posts Drives: Sedan Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Have them check the inner tie rods. My symptoms were similar. The replacement of the inner tie rod resolved the low speed parking lot thunk.
	Appreciate 0 Quote