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Thread: '02 325i Front end noise- replaced everything and no change

  1. #1
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    '02 325i Front end noise- replaced everything and no change

    Hey gang,
    I have a 2002 325i 5spd sport package, second owner since 65k miles at 120k now and I have an annoying noise in the front I cant get rid of from the Drivers side.
    It sounds as if the wheel hit a pot hole and needs to be balanced except its not.
    Noise is sometimes louder than others, while I am OCD its loud enough for other people to notice. Its most noticeable between 20-50mph. It does not go away when I coast in neutral.
    I originally thought it was a bad 18" rim from driving in NYC and hitting a pothole switched to my winter tires, no change. Then I did the following in this order and still no change:
    -Rebalanced wheels
    -Swapped tire on a different rim
    -Swapped wheels around
    -Tried full size spare
    -new wheel bearing / hub
    -new rotors and brake pads (no dragging or uneven wear but the DF rotor had a rough spot on it)

    I noticed the passenger side front shock is blown so I'll be replacing both of them along with the mounts next week (rears were done last year).

    The car is driven but not beaten on, I keep up with all the maintenance and the front end is tight. In the last 30k miles I did new control arms and bushings. I only use quality "German" parts (Bosch, Lemonfroder, BEHR, GMB, Timken, SACHS..etc).

    Im guessing the only thing it can be is the carrier/spindle?

  2. #2
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Have you looked at the other suspension parts like tie rods, and end links? A swaybar end link will thump when bad and hitting a bump.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
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  3. #3
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    thanks for the response Dworthy, I did check the tierods and end links, they are tight. I dont have any vibrations in the steering wheel when turning or braking. And the noise is constant to wheel speed, basically it sounds like if you put a big nail into your tire and every time it hit the pavement it made a 'du-dun' sound. finally when you go fast enough it just drowns out.
    But between changing tires, rims (18" sport package, 17" steel winter rims and my friends 17" rims) the sound remains.

  4. #4
    dworthy's Avatar
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    The spindles shouldn't have any impact on that noise unless they are really bad, like scarred or severely grooved.

    What was the brand of bearing did you use? Also just as a side thought, check the caliper and carrier to ensure the bolts are tight.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  5. #5
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    The bearings were GMB part no. 715-0075 whish is the complete hub. The old beating was tight and clean, I replaced them only to rule out the bearings. Dust seal was done at the same time. Unfortunately there was NO difference in the noise, not even 1% . The caliper guide pins and carrier bracket bolts are a torqued to spec, pins are smooth and lubed.
    The spindle is smooth, but I thought maybe if the knuckle was bent or imperfective? I've just run out of ideas. Maybe the brake caliper carrier is bent?

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  6. #6
    dworthy's Avatar
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    I don't think a bent spindle would make noise, odd tire wear yes.

    Now I know you said that you replaced the shocks, did you also do the upper strut bearing as well? Sometimes the bearing can go bad inside and give an odd knock too. I had a loose shock on a test drive make a thump noise when I went over small bumps.

    Another idea or thought that comes to mind is the driveshaft. As you noted that it doesn't matter weather you are in gear or not, as that will still be spinning.
    Is this car AWD by chance?
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  7. #7
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    The car is only RWD, but perhaps the driveshaft needs a look, specifically the center bearing and guibo?


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  8. #8
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    As for the front suspension, it just came in yesterday, I will install it next week along with the new strut mounts

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  9. #9
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Okay, sound good to me.

    Yeah I was thinking about the CSB and guibo too. Have a look, as for 15 year old car it is possible that both are bad.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  10. #10
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    It's a good point, not consistent with where I'm hearing the sound from but it would make sense with the type of sound. 120k miles, I ordered the parts and will just replace them next week as well. Thanks for pointing it out, I'll post back hopefully with good results

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  11. #11
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    I wonder if your alignment is off...

  12. #12
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    Full alignment done, rear toe was off just a bit, noise was the same, had the alignment rechecked 3000 miles later when the snow tires+steel rims were put on and everything was still good.

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  13. #13
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Just to ask, how does the tire wear look on that left front? Just wondering if the hub area and mating surface on the rim is clean, as it can throw off a balance a little if it's not seating properly onto the rotor hat.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  14. #14
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    Strut mounts will pop when bad. Also, under body covers will make popping noises if not properly fastened. Specifically where the front cover touches the bumper cover.

  15. #15
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    The hubs are clean and rust-free I keep a thin coat of anti seize lubricant on them as for the tires they have always worn evenly without any issue. I also check the fender liners and the under panels I did notice I am missing the belly cover in the front but I can't imagine that making this kind of noise. I'm also not seeing any indication that the tire would be rubbing against anything

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  16. #16
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    OK well this was quite disappointing. I replaced the front struts (Sachs) and bearings (Lemonforder) and installed tower reinforcement plates but the noise remains. It's gotten about 30% better, which I attribute to having a blown passenger strut and the drivers bearing was actually very loose. Flex disc and center bearing we're inspected and totally fine. Ran the car on the lift and the bearing was quiet.
    Thoughts?

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  17. #17
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Is there any rub marks on the old struts? Also while the car was in the air did you grab and shake the front tires? Any noise while spinning them? I have bent the back plates in the past and they tend to make noise too.l
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  18. #18
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    Tires can be very noisy and kind of roar at speed then when slowing down the sound quickly tapers off until gone when the car is stopped

  19. #19
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    No marks on the struts and no noise when spinning it by hand. The brake shields don't rub or are bent

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  20. #20
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Well, then the last thing I can really think of is the sound will be coming from the rear then? If it is a rotational noise and it's not RPM dependant, then it has to be something in the driveline making this noise. When you had it up in the air, did you check the diff?
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  21. #21
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    I ran it on the lift and there was no noise, I've had cars with bad half shafts, diffs..Etc it's not that sound or coming from the rear. This noise has me stumped.

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  22. #22
    dworthy's Avatar
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    I would suggest you find a euro shop and let them have a go at it. I am all out of ideas, and perhaps getting a second opinion will help with this.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  23. #23
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    Thanks for ideas and help. Unfortunately I'm usually the one that people and some local Turner's bring their cars to when they are stumped. I had two shops look at to, both said tires/wheels. When they swapped a set from a car they had there and the noise stayed.. they said bearing...

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  24. #24
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Yeah, as most of that type of noise is tires.

    Do this, copy everything you have done and message this guy: bmwdirtracer

    I think he might have some other ideas for you to look at.
    Last edited by dworthy; 02-21-2017 at 02:39 PM.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  25. #25
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    Will do. I have a buddy at BMW that owes me a favor, I'll see if I can have one of his techs look at it first.

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