03-09-2020, 12:54 PM | #1 |
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Front Suspension Clunk
I did my forum digging and see this may be a lower control arm issue, but wanted to see if anyone has heard/experienced differently. This is for a 2015 X5 35i xdrive with 50K on the clock.
At very low speeds, the driver's side suspension is creaking and popping, particularly when the wheel is turned to the left. It'll also make similar noises going into and out of the driveway. I took the car to my mechanic who wasn't able to replicate the noise. Is it possible this is related to the sway bar end links versus the lower control arms? Also, he tried driving it while wet outside, so not sure if that impacted his ability to replicate. |
03-09-2020, 04:02 PM | #2 | |
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I have a 2015 X5 35i drive with 115k miles. Last edited by possib1edoc; 03-13-2020 at 06:45 AM.. |
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03-10-2020, 08:03 AM | #5 |
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I had the same symptoms and they replaced both front lower control arms and did a Four Wheel alignment. Noise is gone.
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03-10-2020, 11:13 AM | #6 |
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I assumed as much. I'm curious if they weren't able to replicate because it was raining/wet, which may have acted as a lubricant for the bushings. Granted I drove the car today and the noise was gone...
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03-16-2020, 09:55 AM | #8 |
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Quick update -- it's now been a week since I replaced the front sway bar end-links, and still no noise. I'm starting to think the wonderful Chicago potholes created a bit of damage. Here's crossing my fingers the noise doesn't come back...
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Variante Alta98.00 babur9991.50 |
04-06-2024, 09:21 PM | #9 |
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I just found this post as was looking for front suspension clunk noise.
Have tried to use a pry bar to identify the noise but w/o success. After reading this post decided to remove the lower control arm (rearward) picture below. Found out the ball join had a play. Potentially the grease dried out causing excessive wear. The whole assembly needs to be replaced. Hopefully will get it by end of the week. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s6q...usp=drive_link |
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Cdenevan0.00 |
04-08-2024, 02:19 PM | #10 |
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I'm currently struggling with the same issue - also a clunk from the front suspension - replaced the lower control arm (#13 on scheme) but the clunking is still there....
I've also replaced the bushing of the thrust arm (#10) but I'm affraid that was a mistake and I should replace the whole thrust arm - wondering if it could be the ball joint of the thrust arm... |
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04-08-2024, 05:21 PM | #11 |
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The most stressed ball joint on front suspension is the one on lower control arm which you have replaced.
There are other 2 ball joints ( steering wheel arm and the trust arm ). Small play can make noise buy is hard to identify w/o disconnecting from the hub. Other source of clunk is sway bar link … easy to check and easy replacement. Check on that also. |
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04-09-2024, 01:33 AM | #12 |
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In short, let me tell what already have been replaced:
- front shock absorbers (right one was leaking). -Thrust arm bushings -Lower control arm -Engine mounts (workshop confirmed one was "crushed") -both steering rods + tie rod ends -Sway bar links in the front and rear In just one week got a appointment in another BMW specializing garage to check the suspension once again... |
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04-10-2024, 11:08 PM | #13 |
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today I replaced the lower control arm and sway bar links ... clunk is gone.
I more accurate way to identify clunk is to disconnect the ball joint from hub and confirm if there is play ... trying to do that with pry bar doesnt work. for Sway bar just disconnect one side and check for play. This should be sufficient to diagnose your noise. |
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04-11-2024, 02:25 PM | #14 |
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My 2015 rubber bushing on the control arm is showing signs of dry rot. So I guess i will be experiencing the clunky sound soon too.
What is everyone paying their mechanic for a replacement control arm so I know what to expect. thanks
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04-11-2024, 10:47 PM | #15 |
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The clunk was more related to the wear on ball joint and sway bar links. The replacement is pretty simple to be honest ... for control arm and sway bar links no more than 2-3 hrs ~ $400-500 and parts $300 ... total ~ $800.
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04-27-2024, 02:40 PM | #16 |
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I've just replaced the whole thrust arms (Lemforder ones) and the clunk is still there ...
I must admit I'm loosing hope here...what now...top control arms(wishbones)? Strut mount? The steering rack was checked for the third time and there was no play... |
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04-28-2024, 10:09 PM | #18 |
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You check the arm bolts are tight? If not, the bushing will move around a bit and knock on the bolt.
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04-29-2024, 05:53 AM | #19 |
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This clunk is almost like in this video:
(moment from 1:10 to 1:20), when author is showing his clunk. @[stocktree] - yes, me and 2 top BMW garages were checking every single element in suspension and didn't found nothing suspicious...Every single bolts were checked (I was hoping maybe one of them will be loose...). |
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04-29-2024, 04:18 PM | #20 |
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Try hitting or pushing/pulling where the inner and outer tie rods meet, I’ve been chasing a clunk/rattle for a while and I tried checking things and found my tie rod has play where the inner and outer meet.
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04-29-2024, 05:14 PM | #21 |
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What I learnt from my experience on front suspension F15 X5 was that pry bar isnt the best option to find the problem unless the play in the suspension is substantial ... clunk can take place with small play.
The best option is to remove all arms and exam them for defects. I know it sounds a lot of work but this is the best option. |
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04-30-2024, 01:40 AM | #22 | ||
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Was hoping the new thrust arms and lower control arms will help, but installed new ones without any change... Would the front drive shaft clunk on minor imperfections on the road? |
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