Funny Sounds from the Front Suspension

[RobertK]

Now that I finally have my car up and running I've been driving it around on short trips around town and I'm already aware of the fact that my car will probably need new shocks in the front (rear shocks were replaced with Bilstiens right before I bought it) but my car is making some other funny noises I'm not so sure of.

Whenever I take a curve to the left the right front wheel makes a metal on metal grinding noise and is kinda squeaky when rolling freely. We've already determined this is not the brake pad because it makes the same sound no matter if you apply the brake or not.

Also, whenever I go over any kind of bumps (even entering my driveway) the front of the car just makes a hard clunk sound.

Last, there is a little play in my steering wheel which I was not sure was normal or not since this is my first e30.

[Dave]

turning to the left, and right side makes noise - sounds like classic symptom of wheel bearing failure.

The clunk - if it s a rattly kind of noise, I'd make my first guess that it is worn out sway bar links. THose are pretty cheap and a quick repair.

[RobertK]

How hard is it to replace a front wheel bearings?

[Digitalwave]

The clunk is probably a combination of worn out control arms and tie rod ball joints.

[NC325iC]

would the easiest way to fix that be new control arms and tie rod ends?

[KillerCalypso]

would the easiest way to fix that be new control arms and tie rod ends?

Inspect your control arm bushings and ball joints chances are they are worn and cracked due to age. Its also a good idea to replace the tie rod assemblies themselves, also dont forget to freshen up the steering rack lock plate as well when yuo replace the tie rods.

[RobertK]

Excuse my ignorance but what is the steering rack lock plate? Suspension work is my definate weakness but I learn quick.

[KillerCalypso]

Excuse my ignorance but what is the steering rack lock plate? Suspension work is my definate weakness but I learn quick.

The steering rack lock plate secures the tie rod to the steering rack its around $1.00 a side, so its a good thing to replace.

[RobertK]

Who sells them?

[NC325iC]

my guess would be BMA, is it easier to replace control arms or ball joints

[RobertK]

If I had a guess it would be the control arms since the joints are pre-pressed in.. same thing with the tie rods.