CLUNKING wont ever go away! Should I give up and sell?

[davidmc]

A few weeks back, I asked about my problem with a clunking sound in the rear left side of my 325i. Most of you pointed to the rear shock mounts and guide supports as the potential culprit. Some of you suggested bushings. Yes, these are the usual suspects, but I have an unusual situation that is turning my car into a money pit. Here's what I've done to get rid of that darned sound:
- new shocks (Bilsten OE)
- new stock springs (replaced H&R lowering springs)
-new shock mounts
- new wheel bearings
- new bushings, joints
- tightened all loose stuff in the trunk
- removed spare tire/tools
Did I miss something? The sound isnt constant but it surfaces in bumpy roads. It sounds metallic, or something kind of loose in the rear left side. The car spends more time in the shop than with me because of this irritating sound. What could it be? Any new ideas will be appreciated. I love this car, but I can't stand the sound!

[Skafrog]

have you made sure everything is tight on the bottom of the car?
It sounds to me like your heatshields are loose, or 90% sure that your exhaust is hitting somewhere. Go to the back and try and move your exhaust around. If you have a poor condition hanger, it will let it move around and hit shit.

[UNHCLL]

muffler brackets, heat shields, sway bar links, checked the spare tire well?

[Den]

Re: CLUNKING wont ever go away! Should I give up and sell?

I'd also check the sway bar end links, brackets + bushings.

- new bushings, joints

Which bushings were replaced?

Subframe bushings?
Trailing arm bushings?
Differential mount?

[M-technik-3]

Better :?: is where are you? Have a nuetral party look at as a fresh perspective always helps.

[el_4ever]

check to see if it's the bracke calipers...there is a clip (anti rattle clip). if it missing, and with our floating brake pads, there can be some really loud noises when it's not balanced.

[davidmc]

Re: CLUNKING wont ever go away! Should I give up and sell?

I'd also check the sway bar end links, brackets + bushings.

- new bushings, joints

Which bushings were replaced?

Subframe bushings?
Trailing arm bushings?
Differential mount?

Changed the subframe bushings, stabilizer bushings and trailing arm bushings. Reinstalled (re-welded) muffler as well.
I'll try to check the brake caliper clip to make sure. Keep the ideas coming. Thanks.

[kylebes1]

This may be off the wall, but my car made the noises from the RSM being bad. I replaced them and still got soem rattle, turns out that sound was coming from the fron strut bearings. I could tell it was from the front though with mine, but it could be soemtihng to check out.

[davidmc]

Sometimes it's the least likely suspects that turn out to be guilty. You say it could be the front strut bearings? What was wrong with those? Can you describe the sound? Okay, no harm checking it out. Although the sound is clearly from the rear. But, sound does travel...

[M-technik-3]

If you live local to one of us we might be inclined to give you an ear or helping hand if you let us know where you live.

I for one have done suspensions and timing belts and various other services just for lunch belive it or not. That way the owner can learn while stuff is getting done on their car.

[mentaleeill]

how about the axle or diff mounting bolts? are theta ll tight does it only make the sound while accelarating, could be the axle is bad.

[kylebes1]

the bearings just get worn out i guess, the balls get mesed up. the sound was just a rattle wehn I would go over some little bumps of something.

[DanGillan]

If you live local to one of us we might be inclined to give you an ear or helping hand if you let us know where you live.

I for one have done suspensions and timing belts and various other services just for lunch belive it or not. That way the owner can learn while stuff is getting done on their car.

:P


im gonna start doing suspensions for lunch next year when you leave, someone's gotta take over something. :)