Clunking Noise

[IS 300_M]

i just notice this recently but i'm hearing a clunking noise on my 97 M3 everytime i pass a rough road. it was ok on the freeway no noise or anything. help anyone?

[bungy42]

Well, that's a pretty vague description. It's obviously SOMETHING in the suspension, but there are a lot of components that can wear out. The first things to check are the tie rod ends, ball joints and control arm bushings in the front suspension. Then you ought to take a peek at the rear trailing arm bushings. After that, check out the front and rear shock and strut mounts. If it's none of those things, I can't help you...

[IS 300_M]

Originally posted by bungy42
Well, that's a pretty vague description. It's obviously SOMETHING in the suspension, but there are a lot of components that can wear out. The first things to check are the tie rod ends, ball joints and control arm bushings in the front suspension. Then you ought to take a peek at the rear trailing arm bushings. After that, check out the front and rear shock and strut mounts. If it's none of those things, I can't help you...

thanks bungy42 ! my first initial thought was the tie rod end. so i took it to a mechanic and he said that the right tie rod end was seized and could not be adjusted to center steering wheel. what does he mean by that?

[bungy42]

By "seized" he means that it's rusted on there so bad that he can't turn the adjustment. Of course, I'm not sure how he plans to get the thing off to replace it, but I guess there are methods that can be used if you're not attempting to salvage anything.

[IS 300_M]

Originally posted by bungy42
By "seized" he means that it's rusted on there so bad that he can't turn the adjustment. Of course, I'm not sure how he plans to get the thing off to replace it, but I guess there are methods that can be used if you're not attempting to salvage anything.

Thanks ! you're a big help:

[HoJo]

Is it in the front or back? What kind of sound is it?

[IS 300_M]

Originally posted by HoJo
Is it in the front or back? What kind of sound is it?

it sounds like a metal hitting another metal, not loud but loud enought to be noticed when passing a wall. but it's only on the front right side (passenger side).

[TedK]

It is probably a bad rear shock mount. They're common on E36 cars especially M3s. Mine were toast by 50K mi. Check them now before you develop shock tower damage.

Search for "torn RSM" for tons more info.

[IS 300_M]

Originally posted by TedK
It is probably a bad rear shock mount. They're common on E36 cars especially M3s. Mine were toast by 50K mi. Check them now before you develop shock tower damage.

Search for "torn RSM" for tons more info.

I put my car on a lift and a friend of mine pin pointed where the clunking noise is coming from. it's coming from a sway bar link. now, the question is should i replace both links (the other side is still ok) or just replace the bad one. thanks!

[ponq]

Usually, if you can afford to replace a, set you should.

[Byzanz]

Sway bar endlinks are 99$ from ground-control.com . You should do both sides. Wouldn't hurt to do tie rods either. You need them for alignment issues. Got mine from Turner Motorsport for 180$ or so. Not hard to replace yourself. Just did mine. good Luck.

[IS 300_M]

Originally posted by Byzanz
Sway bar endlinks are 99$ from ground-control.com . You should do both sides. Wouldn't hurt to do tie rods either. You need them for alignment issues. Got mine from Turner Motorsport for 180$ or so. Not hard to replace yourself. Just did mine. good Luck.

Thanks guys !i just replaced both tie rod ends but i will replace both end links though

[Osiicks]

I had clunking and I thought it was my suspension. It turned out to be the rubber hangers in the middle of the exhaust system..they were worn....I replaced these and it went away.