[COSENT27]

Hi I have a 2013 f30 328i xdrive with about 150k miles and have been experiencing a number of suspension issues recently. I have replaced both struts, sway bar end links, front passenger strut mount (about to do other side), power steering thrust bushing and still continue to have an insanely loud knock/clink coming from what seems like front passenger side suspension when going over uneven road. All DIY. I took to German specialty mechanic for diagnosis which was either front passenger strut mount or strut. I replaced strut mount, now about to do strut again despite only replacing a few months ago. There was a bit of a mishap with my strut replacement where I installed the struts on the wrong side (installed passenger on driver side and driver on passenger), which I fixed within two weeks of installing the struts incorrectly. I’m going to replace the front right strut again but don’t think this is the culprit, despite my original install mishap.

I’m wondering if my sway bar may be shot. I have come across these bushing from powerflex (powerflex front sway bar bushings) but not sure if it is possible to only replace the bushing as I’ve read that the stock bushings are mounted to the sway bar and I really would like to avoid replacing the sway bar given that it is a massive job.

Wondering if anyone has replaced only the front sway bar bushings and if so what was your experience?

TIA for any help you all may be able to offer.

[im_an_alien]

The OEM sway bar bushings cannot be replaced because they are molded to the bar, so you would have to replace the whole sway bar. Aftermarket sway bars have bushings that can be replaced.

[COSENT27]

Replaced strut today and clunk is gone. Pulled on sway bar and clunking doesn’t appear to be from there. Crazy how they went bad so quickly despite the mishap. I’m becoming a pro at front strut replacement, Have uninstalled and reinstalled 12 times since August, fingers crossed this is the final fix

[COSENT27]

Also snapped one of my strut mount securing bolts in the process, going to need to extract tomorrow. Ugh never ends

[im_an_alien]

Originally Posted by COSENT27

Also snapped one of my strut mount securing bolts in the process, going to need to extract tomorrow. Ugh never ends

Yeah those are pretty light weight bolts, time to invest in a torque wrench. You don't need a fancy one, those cheap harbor freight ones will get you close enough.

[COSENT27]

Originally Posted by im_an_alien

Yeah those are pretty light weight bolts, time to invest in a torque wrench. You don't need a fancy one, those cheap harbor freight ones will get you close enough.

I had one which is the insane part. From auto zone, never clicked after setting to torque spec of 20.7 lb/ft. It’s old, Need to invest in a better quality wrench I guess