[liam_]

Hi all.

Recently I have noticed a rather loud metallic clunking/cracking noise coming from the rear of my car when travelling over rough, bumpy surfaces (which seems to be most roads nowadays!).

It's quite hard to explain the noise exactly, but it sounds like some metalwork that's knocking together. I have looked under the car and it appears that all the heat shields are well secured, and there are no visible parts that are loose. The noise itself seems to be coming from the drivers side rear wheel area (possibly suspension related?), and is only noticeable when going over rough surfaces. Can't be heard that well in the cabin but is very noticeable from outside the car.

Has anybody experienced this sound before, or know what the issue may be?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Mart1000]

One of your springs snapped?

[Mart1000]

Either that or the rubber spring seat has disintegrated and the spring is rattling in its cup?

I've not looked at the rear suspension on these so I'm sure if this is a bad suggestion someone will be along with a better one

[rickyjones1209]

rear bushes?

[Mart1000]

Sorry I can't edit posts on iPhone hence yet another reply...

Do these cars have rear ARB drop links? I've had these go on a car before and have the exact noise your describing

[m1bjr]

Originally Posted by Mart1000

Sorry I can't edit posts on iPhone hence yet another reply...

Do these cars have rear ARB drop links? I've had these go on a car before and have the exact noise your describing

My thoughts exactly. Droplink worn out.
or a clapped damper - the wheels bounce about a lot in that case.
Have someone follow behind and see if the wheel is flapping up and down

[liam_]

Thanks for all the replies, I very much appreciate all the help.

I am starting to think that the culprit is most likely to be a worn drop link. I will be purchasing new ones today and will replace the old ones and keep you updated with the results!

Thanks again for all the help and advice!

[m1bjr]

Originally Posted by liam_

Thanks for all the replies, I very much appreciate all the help.

I am starting to think that the culprit is most likely to be a worn drop link. I will be purchasing new ones today and will replace the old ones and keep you updated with the results!

Thanks again for all the help and advice!

Get on them early with the PlusGas lube.
They can be seized up pretty tight if yours is an older car.

[NormanHomes]

have you jacked up the car and checked the wheels for play?

[liam_]

Just finished fitting new drop links, however the problem still remains.

The old links were pretty seized on and once off looked like they had seen better days!

The rattle noise still remains, possibly not as loud as it was before, but I am now quite stumped as to what the issue may be!

I followed Mart100's advice and checked for snapped springs - they're all ok.

I am now going to have another look at the rubber spring seat and see if that is faulty!

NormanHomes - I have checked for play and everything is fine.

Thanks.

[fastloop]

Did you check the rear bushes for the ARB?

#2 in the link below. If these are worn you will get some clunking driving over rumble strips.
http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E9...abilizer_rear/

[liam_]

Originally Posted by 335rocks

Did you check the rear bushes for the ARB?

#2 in the link below. If these are worn you will get some clunking driving over rumble strips.
http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E9...abilizer_rear/

Hi,

Yea I actually saw these whilst replacing the links and thought that they may part of the problem. From taking a quick look over them whilst they were on the car they seemed to be fine (no cracks, splits, etc), however I may just take them off completely and inspect them up close!

Thank you for your suggestion!

[NormanHomes]

whenever i have an issue like this i take my car to a freinds work, they have "shaker plates" on there ramp which shake the car and usually show up faults like this. Prob best finding a local garage that has those if you can