Creaking / clonking noise from under the front end...

[Zomerset]

I have had my 1999 2.8 Z3 since April. Engine running nicely but it has developed a nasty mechanical clonking / creaking noise.

Mostly when going slowly / moving off/ turning into slow corners. My immediate thought was shocks but the good garage I have been using checked those out when I gave the car a full tlc service a couple of months back and said whilst they had some wear, they were fine.

I only seem to get the noise in hot weather. Running on a cooler day or shorter distances I dont notice it at all- but yesterday in the heat it was really bad by the time I got home. Does that offer any clues?!

 

[colb]

Check all the rubber bushes across the front and ball joints, check the brake pads are not a sloppy fit in the calipers and causing the noise, too slack and they will rattle. Top mounts of the front struts will be worth a check as well for wear. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CH32-EUR-01-2000-Z3-BMW-Z3_28&diagId=31_0209
Also check for a broken spring

 

[t-tony]

Ball joints (lower) or track rod ends would be where I would start looking.


Tony.

 

[Zomerset]

Thanks folks. I'll have the garage take a look as I really lack the knowledge skills or kit. .. should i stop driving it in the meantime?

 

[DavidM]

Yes.

 

[Zomerset]

Had a nasty feeling someone would say that! Glorious sunshine- was looking forward to a trip out :-( Better to be safe though, clearly.

Thanks. I shall be going to the shops in a large airconditioned saloon instead!

 

[t-tony]

Thanks folks. I'll have the garage take a look as I really lack the knowledge skills or kit. .. should i stop driving it in the meantime?

Hard to say without hearing/seeing the problem, so erring on the side of caution probably best to.

Tony.

 

[handsomejackuk]

could be drop links.... the one on my 2.8 was loose fitted by previous owner..

 

[Zomerset]

The garage's verdict was front lower suspension arm bush. Time (and a good run on a hot day) will tell whether they have the right issue!