Mystery noise

[sjh500]

Hello everyone. I have an 02 525i wagon that has a clattering type noise coming from the right front wheel (seemingly). It was happening initially when braking but after a couple days started doing it kind of randomly. What is weird is that sometimes it won't do it after I've driven for a bit, then I would hear it randomly again later while driving. Took it to my longtime mechanic and he said the only thing he could see was a worn out control arm (he showed me and the bushing was toast). He replaced that, I picked it up, and didn't hear it! On the way down a long hill while braking consistently I heard again. Very frustrated. Anyone have any ideas? My mechanic said there was absolutely nothing wrong with the brakes.

Thanks!

[StephenVA]

Ok now we all get to guess...

Clarifications Required
Noise only when braking? More pronounced turning Left/Right? Will the noise appear in gear and out of gear?
If you brake HARD in a straight line, does it stop under braking?
Mileage on car:___________

[sjh500]

Hi StepheVA,

It does make the noise once in a while while NOT braking. Typically going up a long constant grade hill. Not always though.

It does not make the noise very often while turning, but I have heard it a few times (this could be correlation with braking).

Mainly I hear it when going down a hill that requires harder braking, and always in a straight line. Since the control arm has been replaced it is much more infrequent now.

Thinking about it since you posed the question, I believe it does go away if braking hard enough.

Mileage: 177,000

Thanks for the help!

Ok now we all get to guess...

Clarifications Required
Noise only when braking? More pronounced turning Left/Right? Will the noise appear in gear and out of gear?
If you brake HARD in a straight line, does it stop under barking?
Mileage on car:___________

- - - Updated - - -

I forgot it is an automatic.