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Thread: Front end noise e46

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
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    Washington
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    99 e46

    Front end noise e46

    I have a 99 328i, and when I'm turning to the left while moving at atleast 15mph I get a bad noise from the left front. It almost sounds like a wheel bearing that's about to fall out. But I've checked just about everything. And it's only when I'm turning left and moving.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
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    Arlington, VA
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    2018 BMW M240i
    It’s not likely a wheel bearing. When turning left the weight of the car shifts to the right side of the car. So, the right bearing would make the noise. Does the noise increase in volume when you increase the speed? Does it change in tone when the speed is increased? Has the carhad work done on the front end recently?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
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    USA
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    284
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    E21, E46
    Also double check your wheel lugs to ensure they are torqued to 88ftlbs.

    You can lift the car up , lock the steering wheel and try moving the front and left wheels left to right right to left and up and down to see if you have any extra play in the bearings or suspension.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
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    Silver Spring, MD
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    03M3 17M540 18A5SB
    Quote Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini View Post
    It’s not likely a wheel bearing. When turning left the weight of the car shifts to the right side of the car. So, the right bearing would make the noise. Does the noise increase in volume when you increase the speed? Does it change in tone when the speed is increased? Has the carhad work done on the front end recently?
    What also happens when you turn left is the right side suspension compresses and twists the front sway bar through the sway bar links. The noise could be a broken or worn left side sway bar link or even a bushing. In any case you'll need to get the car up on jack stands or a lift to get under it and see what's what. If you're handy you might be able to reach under the front to the left front swaybar link and feel if it's loose while the suspension is loaded (car on the ground).

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Location
    Washington
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    19
    My Cars
    99 e46
    The only front end work I've done on the car was the control arms and bushings when I got the car. Theres no play in the front end and the noise gets faster as my speed increases. And I know my wheels are tight. I havent taken too close a look at the sway bar but I'll be sure to take a look.

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