12-24-2023, 01:53 PM | #1 |
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Clunk/grinding in front end
I've got a '15 435i. Recently I have noticed 2 different sounds coming from the front suspension/steering. When I first start the car in the morning and turn the wheel either to the right or left I hear a slight grinding sound. It kind of sounds like loose marbles. This very faint but I hear it first thing in the morning all the time. Seems to go away as the car warms up. I also heard a very distint clunking noise when I was backing out of my driveway while turning the wheel to the left. Couldn't reproduce this sound. I put the car on ramps and looked around. The only thing obvious was a control arm bushing looked like it was worn out. Not sure if this would produce the clunk. Power steering rack looked good with no obvious signs. Anybody have suggestions?
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12-24-2023, 02:23 PM | #2 |
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Remote diagnostics are what they are ...
Would be helpful to learn more: - Are you the original owner? - How many miles? - Any recent suspension work? - When did the symptoms first appear? |
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12-24-2023, 09:00 PM | #3 | |
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Currently at 78000 miles. No recent suspension work. Issue started about 2 months ago. |
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12-24-2023, 11:13 PM | #4 |
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One of those bushings looks like it has been leaking its fluid. In one picture it appears to have stained the outer metal surfaces. Those are the tension struts and they do tend burst somewhere in the 40-60k mile range. I can't say if that would cause your noises but once the fluid is gone from the bushings they should be replaced. The arms come reassembled with new bushing installed. Lemforder are oe and cheaper than bmw parts. Install in 1-2 hours; it's just a couple of bolts holding them on.
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12-25-2023, 07:37 AM | #5 | |
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I would change them if there's any doubt... I would also purchase them from FCP Euro since you'll go through a few sets through the life of the vehicle. |
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12-25-2023, 11:58 AM | #6 |
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Observations by Jvac are worth investigating. One of the bushings could be indeed leaking.
At 78K miles, it would be prudent to inspect all suspension components and replace candidate parts at the same time. Will reduce labor expenses over time. |
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12-28-2023, 09:58 AM | #7 |
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Yes. I do believe the drivers site bushing is bad/leaking. The rubber also shows signs of dry rot. Not sure its worth it to replace them. I'm looking at trading car in.
Could find nothing else obviously out of place in the suspension/steering. I still hear a slight grinding when turning the steering wheel left or right. May take it to a shop for better diagnostic. |
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12-29-2023, 11:54 PM | #8 |
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At the top of the strut, underneath the top hat/camber plate is a large black rotating ring that allows the spring to turn with the steering knuckle. Over time it gets dirty and will ‘grind’. From BMW this part is not sold separately. You need a new top hat. The entire strut needs to be removed for it to be replaced.
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02-23-2024, 06:40 AM | #9 |
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Thank you casualdiyer. It's not that bad right now so I am not sure I am willing to pull off the struts to inspect/change this out.
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