Clunk/grinding in front end

Randy Johnson · 12-24-2023, 01:53 PM

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?

cfm56d7b · 12-24-2023, 02:23 PM

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?

Randy Johnson · 12-24-2023, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

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?

2nd owner bought after lease return with 41500 miles.
Currently at 78000 miles. No recent suspension work.
Issue started about 2 months ago.

Jvac · 12-24-2023, 11:13 PM

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.

Polo08816 · 12-25-2023, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jvac

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.

The bushings in the tension struts have proven to be a "high wear" item.

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.

cfm56d7b · 12-25-2023, 11:58 AM

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.

Randy Johnson · 12-28-2023, 09:58 AM

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.

casualDIYer · 12-29-2023, 11:54 PM

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.

Randy Johnson · 02-23-2024, 06:40 AM

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.

12-24-2023, 01:53 PM	#1
Randy Johnson M340i 395 Rep 986 Posts Drives: BMW M340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: South FLA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2021 BMW M340i [10.00]	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? Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-24-2023, 02:23 PM	#2
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5913 Rep 10,286 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	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?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-24-2023, 11:13 PM	#4
Jvac Captain 437 Rep 787 Posts Drives: 2015 335i rwd Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Usa iTrader: (1)	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. __________________ 335i rwd auto, 2015 with m performance LSD and Dinan stage 2. Cts charge pipe, mad 5" stepped intercooler.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-25-2023, 11:58 AM	#6
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5913 Rep 10,286 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	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.
	Appreciate 1 Jvac436.50 Quote

12-28-2023, 09:58 AM	#7
Randy Johnson M340i 395 Rep 986 Posts Drives: BMW M340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: South FLA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2021 BMW M340i [10.00]	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-29-2023, 11:54 PM	#8
casualDIYer Major 446 Rep 1,372 Posts Drives: 340i xDrive M Sport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	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.
	Appreciate 2 Polo088161614.50 jmanB45154.50 Quote

02-23-2024, 06:40 AM	#9
Randy Johnson M340i 395 Rep 986 Posts Drives: BMW M340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: South FLA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2021 BMW M340i [10.00]	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote