1998 328iC Front End Slap/Clunk

bsbldad · 09-21-2007, 05:16 AM

First, I really appreciate this site and forum...it has been extremely helpful for this weekend DIY'er.

When going over rough roads, bumps, or hard curves, I hear and feel a clunk (I like to refer to it as a heavy metal to metal slap) under my feet. I can't tell if this is on the wheel sides or if it is under the transmission hump.

I've recently had the wishbone bracket rubber mounts replaced (they were dry rotted), but this did not fix the problem.

Any suggestions?

Kurt Sampara · 09-21-2007, 06:16 AM

Have you ever done front control arms? If not that could be it. Also I had this problem with sway bar links, but not really loud, metal on metal. Also check strut tower bearings(pull dust covers under hood). Good luck. Kurt.

bsbldad · 09-21-2007, 05:53 PM

I'll give it a look Kurt, thanks.

Front end was just aligned 3 weeks ago and was adjustable (just made it within specs). Need to check the struts...

Any chance transmission / motor mounts?

Jim

David Bevan · 09-23-2007, 02:22 AM

Sounds like the rear transmission rubbers have collapsed and the back of the gearbox is hitting the mounting cradle or the rocker cover is hitting the firewall. either way that sound serious i'd like to know what that was before i drove the car!
Oh hang on! check the cross brace under the front of the gearbox, its a 1 inch diameter black tube that fixes on either side with 2 bolts. if the car has been jacked up by this it will bend and bump against the gearbox/bellhousing. the only way i can think to safely straighten this is to remove it, support both ends with 2 house bricks and jump on it. cover the ends with rags to prevent scratching the plastic coating/paint.
Good luck.