Squeak! Suspension? Brakes? Wheels?

[Ross]

I've just recently purchased my first BMW - a 1999 540iA. I've been enjoying it tremendously, and have been pleasantly surprised to find so much hands-on info on the marque out here on the net (like this forum). I've done due diligence on this problem with various search of faqs and previously answered questions. Nothing seems to match. Hopefully, I'll avoid any "oh, no, not again" responses. If not, oh well.

I've got a chirpy kind of squeak coming from somewhere under the vehicle when travelling over all but the smoothest pavement - just the normal patched asphalt roads will do it. With the windows down, it's quite noticeable and fairly constant. I did read a post somewhere that seemed to match the symptoms - the parking brake cable fix - but this squeak seems to go away when I apply the brakes. With my limited experience, I'd expect that braking would have no effect if it were the parking brake cable. Anyone want to hazard a guess?

Thanks,
Ross

[Torque]

maybe your brakes are sticking for some reason...

[Ross]

Okay, here's more info - maybe related, maybe not. Before work this morning, I went around the car checking the lug nuts (lug studs?) on all the tires. All were tight but one on a front tire. But, it wouldn't tighten - stripped, I guess, but still captive. First, might this be a culprit for the squeak? And, is the female threaded portion a replaceable part or will I need to replace some larger assembly?

Thanks,
Ross

[d3ity]

Try your strut bushings.

That would usually be the cause, either have them replaced, or lubricated, if lubrication doesnt work, replace them.