Front Suspension Clunk

[fastgoat]

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.

[possib1edoc]

Originally Posted by fastgoat

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.

Took mine to an independent BMW mechanic shop today. They noticed the noise as well, however they couldn't find where the noise was coming from. They said the sway bar and control arm were normal.

I have a 2015 X5 35i drive with 115k miles.

[sj22]

Control arms and bushings.

[P1]

It’s the control arms.

[MoeTE87]

I had the same symptoms and they replaced both front lower control arms and did a Four Wheel alignment. Noise is gone.

[fastgoat]

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...

[201]

You can try going in and out of a sloped driveway as thats one method bmw foremans use to determine control arm issues

[fastgoat]

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...

[m4forum]

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

[G0rdon]

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...

[m4forum]

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.

[G0rdon]

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...

[m4forum]

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.

[Kzang]

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

[m4forum]

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.