2001 Bmw 740il Clunking Noise And Steering Wheel Shaking
On my 2001 740iL my brakes were squeaking even when I wasn’t pressing the brakes. My mechanic told me I needed new rotors and pads front and rear. Got it done and the squeaking noise is still there. Also, I am not sure if its related is I hear a clunking noise that seems to come from the front drivers side, especially apparent when I go over bumps. Two other mechanics said they “think” its the lower control arm or ball joint.
My question is does it sound right? Do I need to change both control arms or can I just replace the bad one? My vehicle has 96k miles. I am also told that you can’t buy the bearings or the bearings on these don’t go bad its the control arm. Any thoughts?
Also what could be causing what sounds like break squeaking even when I am not hitting the breaks. The control arm also?
I had the tires checked out and they didn’t need balancing or anything.
One last issue is after I been driving for 10-15 minutes my entire front end shakes, including steering wheel and floor area. It is more apparent at faster feeds and even more apparent when driving at a speed of 40mph and braking. Could the control arm be doing this also?
I am also told that the brake calipers are sticking also and those need to be replaced also. And those are a cause to all my frustrations also.
My problem is I took it to 6 mechanics total and all said different things.
What do you guys think? I am trying to fix what needs to be fixed and that’s all.
Thanks!
Forget the brake squeak/noise for the moment, so long as it is just noise and not a failure in something. Just for awhile, forget it.
Concentrate on the front control arm bushings and ball joint. For these are the things that can really make your car shake, with or without braking, but specially so when braking. Also have the tierods checked while you are having the the bushings and ball joint repaired.
Then have a wheel alignment.
After the repairs on the above, which you obviously need, then you can go for the others whatever else remains or maybe relax your pocket for awhile. But first things first. You are getting yourself overloaded with the possibilities. Stop going to different mechanics without having anything done. Are you just looking for a mechanic that will tell you what you want? And having a BMW, do not go to run-of-the-mill mechanics, stay with experienced/trained/well equipped BMW mechanics (independent or otherwise).
As an aside, calipers can be repaired/serviced for a very minimal fee
(parts needed are just the boots and o-rings/seals, plus some very fine
sandpaper).
Later on, you can try to look at the possibilities of the brake rotors
(even if new, if they are aftermarket) being warped, or your wheel bearings being bad. But these are for later, remember?
All 6 of the techs are right. Thoes cars need a 5 to 6K front end overhaul from time to time.. I’m not trying to be mean its just a fact…. They need a lot of work in the front end..