Suspension noise

[nixter]

I will update tomorrow or later tonight with a list of parts that have already been replaced since I've had the car but I'm hearing a sublte noise when going over small bumps and road imperfections at lower speeds. It sounds to me like a thick glass bottle bonking around in a wooden box, but muffled. Blonk, blonk? Haha, I love my technical descriptions. Seems to be coming from the front though.

n

[Dr. evil]

i have the same sound, i was thinking it was just worn out tie rod bushings

[nixter]

Nope, all that is brand new. A couple other forums have suggested swaybar links.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

put it on stands

and inspect the ball joints, stabilizer link & bushing etc.

use a big water pump pliers to try to wiggle and compress the ball joints

use a big prybar to try to move the arms and stablizer.

look for torn boots and loose stuff

[Jameseypoo]

Actually.. I believe I have the same exact sound coming from the front of my car. it sucks.

[Ross]

If the collar nut on a strut is loose you'll get a dull rattle.

[dennyg]

I had a lot of front suspension parts replaced and a few days later had that dull thump sound I think you are describing. One sway bar link was not tight enough. It seemed tight on the hoist but I guess once the cars weight was on the ground every small bump at slow speeds you could here it. Put a box end wrench on the bolt and noise went away....

[nesone0072525]

is it coming from the front or back?

[AngryPopTart]

I get the same noise, but I thought it was my highways/fogs rattling around. I noticed they are rather loose and can be shaken around quite easily. Banging on the panel they sit in seems to create a similar noise IMO.

[nixter]

Pretty sure it's not the fogs, just not the right kind of sound for that. I will check the collar nut and sway bar links. In the middle of moving at the moment so I won't get to it for a bit.

Thanks for the help guys!

n

[nixter]

It was swaybar links.

[GoldenOne]

haha...im going to have to find a wooden box and a thick glass bottle...curious how exactly that sounds

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

It was swaybar links.

Lucky

[bmwrp8]

had a rattling sound at the back susp. do you know where id start looking?

[nixter]

I'd suggest the rear suspension. Ha! ok, seriously though. More info. Is it just the rattle noise or does the ride quality feel off? when does it rattle?


had a rattling sound at the back susp. do you know where id start looking?

[bmwrp8]

both rattle and ride quality is different it rattles esp. when in rough,uneven roads but not that loud like the front does when my bushings where busted..

[525SEI BRIT]

had a rattling sound at the back susp. do you know where id start looking?

Take all the shite out of the trunk!!!...:D

Could be Top mounts or exhaust. also try lubing the door rubbers!

[bmwrp8]

took out everything in the trunk. top mount ok! it comming from the rear susp. any idea?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

took out everything in the trunk. top mount ok! it comming from the rear susp. any idea?

subframe mounts

[bmwrp8]

i'll check.How hard is that to replace?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

i'll check.How hard is that to replace?
are pretty easy.

Subframe mounts...now that's another story. You'll either need a special puller, or get jiggy with a reciprocating saw and cut the shell of the mounts out.

[525SEI BRIT]

i'll check.How hard is that to replace?

Easy in theory! just slip on! But mine took quite a bit of coaxing and hot soapy water! would have to be fairly far gone to be making a noise in the cabin!

Is it a knock or more like a shelf rattle?

[bmwrp8]

dang sounds hard..do you know a site on where i could follow step by step?

[bmwrp8]

a very light knock at the rear susp. if the roads are rough

[bmwrp8]

haha...im going to have to find a wooden box and a thick glass bottle...curious how exactly that sounds

...hahaha me also!!

[525SEI BRIT]

dang sounds hard..do you know a site on where i could follow step by step?

No its not hard! take a look under the car. they do just pull off push the new ones on. soaking in hot soapy water is just an old trick to soften up the rubber. it was quit cold when i did mine in January!

The subframe mounts however are a bitch!! had to cut mine out but i can recommend the Power flex replacements no Special tools need. their was a site with a really good write, up do a search, ill see if i saved it!

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

a very light knock at the rear susp. if the roads are rough


or rear stab links.

Subframe mount makes noise on starts and stops too

[bmwrp8]

or rear stab links.

Subframe mount makes noise on starts and stops too

...oh! i guess its not the subframe mounts because it only makes noise when its on rough roads. Thanks for all the info. guys i'll check later for my rear stab.link