Knock, Knock

kash786 · 18 Apr 2013 at 11:48

I have a E46 320cd, recently, I have noticed a certain 'knocking' sound coming from around the offside front wheel.

I can hear the 'knocking' sound when I steer the steering wheel, either left or right when I'm stationary.

What do you think it could be? I suspect the track rod-end possibly?

I think that this has occurred due to the poor conditions of the road, I encounter so many pot-holes on the way into work! To add insult to injury, I've got to pay my car tax at the end of this month! :mad:

bledd · 18 Apr 2013 at 11:50

I have no knowledge of BMW suspension, but on many cars worn front droplinks will cause this

For example, this part..

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/B...c4fd935fe31f9bc410c8e878e0992b17424abc&000016

I just picked 2L BMW, no idea if it's the right car

pepsilol · 18 Apr 2013 at 11:53

Droplinks.

Clarkey · 18 Apr 2013 at 11:57

I doubt the drop links would make a noise when stationary, sounds more like TRE to me.

pepsilol · 18 Apr 2013 at 12:48

He said when it's changing the direction of the steering wheels.

The droplinks would move in this case.

Dogbreath · 18 Apr 2013 at 12:53

Clarkey said:
I doubt the drop links would make a noise when stationary, sounds more like TRE to me.

Agreed, track end ends are more likely, but could also be top mount or the wishbone balljoint/bush.

Dogbreath · 18 Apr 2013 at 12:56

pepsilol said:
He said when it's changing the direction of the steering wheels.

The droplinks would move in this case.

They swivel, but they don't have any significant change in vertical force on them.

Clarkey · 18 Apr 2013 at 13:05

Anyway, a link that bangs like hell on the road is often hard to even detect play in when stationary, never mind making an audible noise.

Rybo89 · 18 Apr 2013 at 13:14

Who's there?

pugheaven · 18 Apr 2013 at 13:21

Steering rack, driveshaft (EDIT: oh no, it's a BMW, so it won' tbe that when steering), drop link end, tops mounts... any fo these really tbh... only way is take to a garage. Or jack up and check for any play anywhere... not a lot else as there's so many options...

BigRazer93 · 18 Apr 2013 at 14:08

I would say the top mount. My little 106 did this (I know its a different car, but the symptoms are the same).

Lift the bonnet up and turn the steering left and right, watch the top mount and see if it moves a lot! My drivers side had a lot of play in it when doing this, and it turned out to be the top mount!

kash786 · 19 Apr 2013 at 11:34

Dropped it to garage this morning, so should find out what it is exactly.

Hope it's not expensive

kash786 · 19 Apr 2013 at 12:24

Both arms are *****! - I'm looking at £260 fitted

pepsilol · 19 Apr 2013 at 14:43

Arms or the rear lower bushes?

kash786 · 19 Apr 2013 at 15:29

pepsilol said:
Arms or the rear lower bushes?

Arms, which have the Bushes/Ball Joint attached.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3+Series+Coupe%2FCabriolet_2.0_2004/p/car-parts/suspension-and-steering/suspension/suspension-arm-and-suspension-joints/?615110510&1&7eec8609b85a9da1f69f788763d02075d4242132&000320

dacads · 19 Apr 2013 at 17:20

Who's there?