05-14-2024, 12:35 PM | #1 |
Second Lieutenant
184
Rep 241
Posts |
PLEASE HELP - Front Struts F31
I installed Koni Special Active Shocks, Eibach lowering springs, and F80 bump stops on my F31.
Car drove like a dream for maybe 100 miles and then I started getting a very loud “clicking” sounds from the front of the car. I took it to one shop and after they had the car for 2 days, they diagnosed it as a broken front-right steering knuckle and wheel bearing. They wanted $2500 so I wanted a second opinion. Called another local BMW shop and told them the diagnosis. They said they can do the job for less than half price. I sent them the part numbers from the estimate from the other shop, they ordered parts, and they took the car. Now shop #2 is saying there’s nothing wrong with either knuckle or wheel bearing whatsoever. They were able to fix the clicking on one side by removing and reinstalling the sway bar completely. Now there is the same awful sound coming from the left side… I’m assuming it’s only a matter of time before it comes back and is blaring from both sides. Before I take it to a 3rd shop and pay for diagnosis AGAIN, I’m praying someone on the forums has experienced this before. Any ideas? Thanks in advance. |
05-14-2024, 01:23 PM | #2 |
Captain
528
Rep 859
Posts |
Without hearing the noise it's hard. Clicking is usually CV axles. Is your car all-wheel drive or not. We know you have a wagon with a nice front bumper.
Did you torque everything correctly. Loading the suspension etc. It could be the shock rod nuts in the shock mount bearings. My strut mount bearings went bad rather quickly after lowering for some reason and we're clunking. It could also be the sway bar end links since you lowered the car. There are adjustable sway bar end links you can get for this purpose. Is there any play in the wheels if you shake them? |
Appreciate
1
alohasurftoad3319.50 |
05-14-2024, 01:44 PM | #3 |
Brigadier General
3320
Rep 4,515
Posts |
when you changed the konis, did you change the strut mounts(aka top hats)?
if you did not, it could be the bearing with in the strutmount. |
Appreciate
0
|
05-14-2024, 02:10 PM | #4 |
Second Lieutenant
184
Rep 241
Posts |
|
Appreciate
1
alohasurftoad3319.50 |
05-14-2024, 02:40 PM | #5 | |
Second Lieutenant
184
Rep 241
Posts |
Quote:
Yes I torqued everything to spec I THINK. I will check the sway bar links. That’s a great idea. I lowered the car with the Eibachs because they are pretty moderate. Maybe I do need shorter sway bar links. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-14-2024, 04:02 PM | #6 |
Colonel
1276
Rep 2,962
Posts |
Sounds like sway bar endlinks. You may need to get shorter (or longer I forget which)
__________________
2015 335i Msport/6 JB4/EWG/E30/VRSF DP/ER CP/ VRSF Race Exhaust/ Injen Intake/Verde Axis 19x8.5/9.5 245/35/275/30 Conti Extreme CS/ H&R Sports / Motorsport Hardware Stud Conversion
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-14-2024, 05:27 PM | #7 |
New Member
5
Rep 17
Posts |
I changed my shocks, all torqued to spec. 3 weeks later get a knocking noise from the front end, ended up being the nyloc nut on top of strut had somehow backed off a bit.
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-14-2024, 07:11 PM | #8 | |
Captain
528
Rep 859
Posts |
Quote:
Clicking could be the front axles. More noticeable if you turn either direction. Lowering shouldn't hurt them. Using the f80 front control arms does as it changes the geometry and stresses them out. I've been lowered 50 some thousand miles just with coilovers and sway bar end links and the axles are fine Also betting on the strut mount bearings shock nut. That's what happened to me I don't really know why. Then I used an impact to get it off and actually messed up the shock. I changed the top hats and also the shocks again and it's been fine ever since. It was a clunking noise though not a clicking. It could also be that anti-rattle clip on the brake caliper. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-15-2024, 01:23 PM | #9 |
Second Lieutenant
184
Rep 241
Posts |
Thank you to everyone that posted on here. Sway bar links were the culprits.
I love all of you |
Appreciate
2
cfm56d7b6358.00 alohasurftoad3319.50 |
05-15-2024, 04:42 PM | #10 |
Lieutenant General
6358
Rep 10,623
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-15-2024, 08:25 PM | #11 | |
Second Lieutenant
184
Rep 241
Posts |
Quote:
So since the parts are really cheap I actually just replaced the links entirely and used fresh hardware. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-16-2024, 07:44 AM | #12 |
Captain
528
Rep 859
Posts |
It's pretty hard to do with the wheel on the ground of a lowered f30. I was barely able to reach in and I'm 6 ft. Someone 5'5 or so I don't think could reach around the wheel. Would need ramps. But it's a very satisfying feeling in the fingers when you find the point in the middle where the preload goes away. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|