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328i 
Senior Member I
Joined: 03-August-2004
Location: West London
Status: Offline
Points: 134
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 Topic: loose/noisy front end
Posted: 19-November-2004 at 16:42 |
The front end on my car has a loose feel to it & its starting to really annoy me. Every time I go over one of the many many pot holes near me or have to brake a bit sharpish the front end makes a lot of noise. Lots of banging & crashing noises like I'm driving none stop over speed bumps fast. The suspension seems fine & no leaks can be seen (car is lowered) I think the bushes are knackered. Only thing is it came through an inspection 2 in late Sep with the all clear even though I specifically asked them to check the bushes for wear. If so could it be the top mounts? Also given the all clear in insp 2. What do people think?
Thanks,
Dean.
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2001 540i Sport, Silver, Black Leather
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Madrab
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 21-November-2003
Location: Scotland
Status: Offline
Points: 569
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Posted: 22-November-2004 at 08:04 |
You say it is lowered? By how much? Were the struts left as standard? You may find if the shocks are slightly worn that they may not be arresting the return of the spring properly, then you may get the looseness of the springs causing the rattle? Sometimes the springs could be tied into the strut in this case. Can you jack a front wheel off the ground and see if the spring is loose and you can move it from side to side? The top mounts could be suspect, are the struts original and what kind of mileage is on them? Steering rack/rod ends checked?
Rob
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1990 E3o 325i Touring and she's definately a she! Pain in the ass sometimes but goes like a bunny :oD
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dave 328
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 21-October-2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 835
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Posted: 22-November-2004 at 08:31 |
Changed my lower arms as one had shocking 'play' in it at the w/e.
I have a bit of play in the top mount which gives a small knock of small bumps.
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328 Coupe Sport, Digital climate, full leather, OBD computer, De-restricted with M50 manifold, big bore throttle, chippeduk remap, custom cold cone intake and X-brace
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gavbarlow
Newbie
Joined: 04-November-2004
Location: Ashford, Kent
Status: Offline
Points: 11
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Posted: 23-November-2004 at 08:59 |
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I have a similar probelm with a noisy front end. Sounds like an exhaust rattle, but its all solid. It also dissapears when you dab the brakes. Have rounded it down to loose calipers so far. Is this possible?
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kenny
Senior Member II
Joined: 03-June-2004
Location: Scotland
Status: Offline
Points: 214
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Posted: 23-November-2004 at 10:18 |
Mines an e46 but assume there isnt too much of a difference.
Car just back from the garage after the same problem with the loose front end. Lower suspension arms replaced and the car driving like a dream again. Another symptom can be a bit of chatter under breaking on poorer quality roads (ie any road in and around Glasgow). 
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Alive.........but for how long?
1999 V E46 318se Black with grey leather
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328i
Senior Member I
Joined: 03-August-2004
Location: West London
Status: Offline
Points: 134
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Posted: 24-November-2004 at 09:47 |
Don't know how old or what type of shocks are fitted but they seem ok. I suspect the bushes as the car went through the Insp 2 ok & was only MOT'd August. Considering fitting a whole set of poly bushes. Might do all round top mounts as well. Best I can describe is a very noisy/crashy sounding noise whilst braking from speed. IMO it is like the pistons are jammed in the struts allowing no absorbsion at all. yet when I bounch the car it fine. Thats what makes me think it could be too much free play from the bushes.
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2001 540i Sport, Silver, Black Leather
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loose/noisy front end