Need advice

[husker4life]

I bought a new (to me) 1997 BMW 540i, and I am new to the BMW game. I am getting a clunking from what seems to be the driver's side front area. The clunking happens over very slight bumps, and when I brake. The smallest imperfection in the road will make clunking sound (like a bad ball joint). I put the front up on blocks to check for any play, but I can not make anything make any noise. I have tried pushing and pulling on everything I can get my hands on. Nothing makes noise except the hub, but the play in it is barely noticeable.

I am also confused about the hub, because there are studs pushed into the hub like any other car. It has lug nuts like my truck and jeep, and not the bolts. Any help is greatly appreciated. I have it up on jack stands right now trying to figure this thing out.

Thanks for the help!

[mr2guy94]

Does the other side and rears have bolts? Sounds like they replaced it with the wrong ones????

[brettski]

Welcome to the Werkz.

Do you get any vibration when braking or between 40 - 50 mph?

Have you checked the front struts/shockers. Can you feel any sort of feedback through the steering wheel that coincides with the noise?

[Penngwyne]

Another possibility is the radius arm bushes where they connect to the body. They will definitely clunk when you brake hard at a low speed (like in your driveway and just moving) These you can replace, the other end you have to buy new radius arms.

Sounds strange to have nuts instead of bolts.as mr2 guy said are they the only ones?
Maybe you have the wrong hubs or there has been a mod done.

[Jack Dabsy]

Bearing?

[Penngwyne]

Originally Posted by Jack Dabsy

Bearing?

Hmm I might have this problem with my Mitsy but not sure how to track it down. (Yet)

E34 suspension is much easier to work on.