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Advice On Clunking Noise Needed!?!

msw7349
in BMW 3 Series Forum

Featured Replies

Hi all.

Been having problems with clunky/wobbly type sound from front end for a while now. It's mainly when going over a bump etc...

Did my research and changed my FCAB's for Meyle HD ones and it seems to clunk even more!

Am I right in thinking it may be the drop links? Is there anything else I could check for?

If it is drop links, can I literally just jack the car and swap out relatively simply or is a ramp needed? I've read about the procedure needing full weight on car when tightening up that's all.

All advice and help very much appreciated, it's driving me insane!!!

Thanks guys!

  • Quote
    • Author

    I'm that mad I forgot to say.......

    It's an E46 320Ci 2002.

    Sorry 😁

  • Quote

    Drop links easy mate.

    Loosen nuts, jack up car, put on axel stand, take wheel off, swap old link for new.

    Might be an idea to change RCAB too as these are quite common to fail.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Thanks for the reply Gav

    So do you reckon that's my main culprit for this then? It's winding me up something rotten. If I jack it up and waggle around the drop link, will it be obvious if its knackered?

  • Quote

    Yeah...well, jack it up and get another jack under the wheel to take the downwards pull off the drop link and try it then.

    Im on my 3rd e46 and everyone of them i have had to change Control arms and control arm bushes, but never on any of them were the drop links worn.

    The front control arm rear bushes (lollypop bushes) and the bushes on the control arms are usually the culprits

  • Quote
    • 3 weeks later...
    • Author

    Have now had Meyle HD FCAB'S, Wishbones AND droplinks. Couldn't recommend more to anyone!!! Brilliant results, ultra smooth driving now!

    Many thanks guys for advice!

    (I found parts cheap in some places, let me know if anyone wants to know some places to look)

    May

  • Quote

    Nice one...fancy doing a "how to" guide ;-)

  • Quote
    • Author

    Well, I would......but I was lazy! Haha.

    Friend of mine fitted all as he has use of lift and all tools needed.

    For £50, I wasn't saying no!

  • Quote

    £50 a very good price...

    Them top bolts on the Control arms are a nightmare to get too...

  • Quote
    • Author

    I know. Couldn't complain really.

    Paid £50 for both FCAB'S

    Paid £79.99 for each Wishbone

    Paid £24 for both droplinks.

    Very happy with the total price it's cost me.

  • Quote

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