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bookerfatz View Drop Down
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    Posted: 25-August-2015 at 11:21
Hello,
I've recently developed a knocking sound in the right side. To me it sounds like it's higher in the body and I'm thinking it could be where the shock/strut (sorry I don't know the correct term for this) is attached to the frame. Especially noticeable on rough pavement and such. 200,000k on the car and I was going to change all four this later in Sept. I need to know if this knocking is dangerous? I know it needs to be taking care of but can it wait?

2002 E39 Touring

Thanks for your help here.

Booker
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2002 E39 5 series Touring


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Andrew Rolland View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Andrew Rolland Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26-August-2015 at 16:44

Could be any of the ball joints I'm afraid, or the upper spring seat pivot bearing.

Jack the car up and grasp the wheel and see if you can move it in any way.  This will detect movement in a ball joint.  Next take the wheel of an lever all the joints to see if any move.
 
I had to do the lower arms on my E60 at 77,000 miles. http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=49193&PN=1 much the same procedure for an E39 except you will need a wheel alignment done as you have ecentric washers on the lower arms to get the wheel alignment that aren't there on the E60.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bookerfatz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26-August-2015 at 21:51
Thanks much for the response Andrew. I will get the car up on a jack tomorrow and follow your instructions. I very much appreciate you taking the time and helping me
with your advice.

I will send an update soon.

Booker
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bookerfatz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-August-2015 at 17:13
Hi Andrew,

Did as you suggested: The tire has no play at all. Solid. Took the tire off and pried and pull everything I could see and nothing wiggled, moved or what not.

Questions: The upper spring seat pivot bearing- The only thing the Bentley diagrams show is an Upper Spring Seat. Not sure why the bearing is shown but is that where it resides? I googled and couldn't find it either. Hmm.

Would this bearing be replaced in a normal strut replacement?

Can't think of anything else to ask. Suppose i need to get this into a shop. I live in Marseille (just moved here) and getting into a repair show (can't afford dealership) makes my knees shake a bit.

Booker
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2002 E39 5 series Touring


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Andrew Rolland Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-August-2015 at 17:29
Did you try the anti roll bar links and the roll bar bushes?

We are talking about the same part. The upper spring seat pivot bearing is the part that bolts thru the inner wing into the engine bay with three nuts. This bearing forms the upper spring support and the means for the whole strut assembly to pivot when you turn the steering. It is one single component.

Try the rear suspension, the clonk may be from the rear but it might sound like it's coming from the front.

Keep us posted

Andrew
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bookerfatz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-September-2015 at 08:51
He again, For whatever reason the sound has pretty much disappeared. not sure what happened other then the fact that I took the tire off, pried and poked various, reversed procedure and voila! Wish all repairs were so easy.

Booker

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Andrew Rolland Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-September-2015 at 17:22
Good stuff, meant to add it could also be the track rod inner ball joint, the one where it connects to the steering rack. But as its gone away I'll quote my old signature on here, if it ain't broke don't fix it!
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