31 90... Front Axle Troubleshooting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Follow troubleshooting for steering/shock absorbers.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - FRONT AXLE

Fault	Cause	Remedy
Grinding noise NOTE: Straight-ahead driving/cornering	Wheel bearing worn, dirty	Replace faulty wheel bearing
Cracking / clicking NOTE: In event of road irregularities and steering maneuvers	Front axle carrier loose	Tighten down screw connection as specified in repair instruction
	Front axle carrier / front end distorted	Position vehicle over pit / on alignment platform Slacken screw connection of front axle carrier Tighten down screw connection as specified in repair instruction
Rattling NOTE: In event of edged road irregularities	Lower control arm loose	Tighten down screw connections as specified in repair instruction
	Lower control arm ball joint loose / faulty	Tighten down screw connection as specified in repair instruction Check ball joint for play, replace lower control arm if necessary
	Tension strut loose	Tighten down screw connection as specified in repair instruction
	Tension strut ball joint loose / faulty	Tighten down screw connection as specified in repair instruction Check ball joint for play, replace tension strut if necessary
	Upper control arm loose	Tighten down screw connection as specified in repair instruction
	Upper control arm ball joint loose / faulty	Tighten down screw connection as specified in repair instruction Check ball joint for play, replace upper control arm if necessary
Muffled bang NOTE: Repeated impulse braking or road irregularities	Tension strut hydro-mount faulty (no mount fluid)	Examine hydro-mount for leaks, cracks and issue or rubber, replace tension strut if necessary
No conspicuous noise	Upper control arm rubber mount faulty	Examine rubber mount for cracks and issue of rubber, replace upper control arm if necessary
No conspicuous noise	Lower control arm rubber mount (on spring strut bracket) faulty	Examine rubber mount for cracks and issue of rubber, replace lower control arm if necessary
No conspicuous noise, steering wheel inclination / steering backlash NOTE: In event of edged road irregularities	Lower control arm rubber mount (on front axle carrier) faulty	Examine rubber mount for cracks and issue of rubber, replace lower control arm if necessary

NOTE: The tension strut rubber mount has an overload stop, which can cause knocking noises at high loads.