99 528 with 60K miles. Developed front end groan during decel from 20 to 0 and during lower speed turns. Replaced the tires and the sound went away completely for approx 5K miles. Now with the new tires, the sound is coming back under the same circumstances. The tires are balanced well and appear to be wearing evenly. Any thoughts regarding the underlying cause of this problem? I've had it checked out and nothing appears loose (e.g. bushings, control arms). As an aside... is it way too early to replace the struts? Thanks in advance.
99 528 front end groan problem
- Thread starter butler
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Can you describe the sound any better? It sounds like it occurs when the front suspension has compression on it, during breaking and cornering. It could be the struts, 60K/6 years is within the possiblity of struts that are getting tired.
I am not familiar with the 5 series front end, but I am guessing the design is similar to the 3 series. Look to see if there might be a plastic dust shroud that covers the exposed strut rod. The 3 series has this on the rear, and these can rub against the spring causing the sound you describe. Although I would hope that this would have been checked when you had it looked at....
I am not familiar with the 5 series front end, but I am guessing the design is similar to the 3 series. Look to see if there might be a plastic dust shroud that covers the exposed strut rod. The 3 series has this on the rear, and these can rub against the spring causing the sound you describe. Although I would hope that this would have been checked when you had it looked at....
Thanks for the reply. The brakes and rotors were changed and this did not make the groan go away. Subsequently, I got new tires and the groan DID go away immediately. Also, the groan is present when coasting to a stop... without touching the break pedal. Also, the groan can be felt/heard when coasting to a stop going uphill... thus making me less compelled by the theory of loaded suspension.
The groan sounds/feels like a low pitched rub. Equal during left and right turns. Bearings not showing problems according to a mechanic. The crazy thing here is that the sound went away immediately with new tires, but is slowly coming back. I'm hoping to stop the process before it gets worse. I hope this reply clarifies my situation. Any additional thoughts? Thanks again.
The groan sounds/feels like a low pitched rub. Equal during left and right turns. Bearings not showing problems according to a mechanic. The crazy thing here is that the sound went away immediately with new tires, but is slowly coming back. I'm hoping to stop the process before it gets worse. I hope this reply clarifies my situation. Any additional thoughts? Thanks again.
Sorry, I can't think of anything else that's reasonable to suspect. The only other similar thing I have seen is related to the wheel itself - a bad STEEL wheel or wheel cover or trim ring that flexes and makes noise. But I think it's a good bet you have one piece alloy wheels, so these things don't apply...