Creaking from font end of my 00 BMW 323i?

Question

I have had a noise in the front end of my car. a month ago i THOUGHT i heard it, now its very loud passangers hear it and say whats that? when i'm stoped i turn wheel from center to right it sounds like a creaky door. when i turn other way... nothing no noise only turning to right. i put my head under the right front tire to isolate the noise. sounds like (i can feel the vibration from the noise) in the shock as it turns with the wheel. I've never heard a noise lik this before. sounds like something needs oil, but what!? its not a CV Click. its only in the front right wheel ...area.

any idea's what this could be?

ofcourse i'll take it to bmw but i want to know what i'm getting into. if i know what it is i'll maybe even do it myself. but i cant find what it is.

I have checked many forums for BMW's no real awnsers other then yep i have it too.. just comes and goes. other car forums for other makes have simul. reports. no conclusive awnser yet. i will try the oil the shock tower idea. see if it goes away. if it does. .. :) i'll replace that

Thanks for you all your suggestions it is pouring over here today. on luck getting out there and checkking any of your suggestions. but you've all given me something to look into. i'll check back soon. i think it makes sence to be the bearing on the shock as was mentioned or maybe the spring on the tower rubbing.. i'll check it out when we have no more rain.

Answer 1

Since you've isolated it to the wheel well, I guess we can rule out power steering pump or pulley.

I guess the logical thing would be to look at everything that moves in the wheel well area as you turn the steering wheel.

Here's a list:
- Ball joint (lower control arm)
- Tie rod end joint
- Strut shaft
- Strut tower mount bearing
- Spring rubbing on seats?

Hopefully there's nothing rubbing against your hub assembly (such as brake lines and sensor wire).

Something like that is going to be hard to diagnose because it looks like the sound cannot be replicated if you jack the car up.

The best thing I could suggest if you really want to get to the bottom of this is to buy/borrow an automotive stetescope. Then, with a buddy turning the wheel, place the stethescope on the suspected area and listen for it.

Or... just squirt WD-40 on ALL the parts listed above (but NOT the brakes) and hope for the best.

If this doesn't help or if your stethescope couldn't tell you which part is causing this noise... maybe you should expand your search area, like looking at maybe the steering rack?

Answer 2

Others could be right too.
lift your car in front and make both wheels free from ground level.
It is from the tierod ends or power steering assisting system.
you will find your power steering assisting bar,check the joints,it must be from one end on the right side.u can change one.
If you can please get both ends changed same time.It will last you for another 10 years.
DIY if 13/14mm/17mm spanners/hammer and a lifting jack.
wish you the best.

Answer 3

If you want to diagnose it before taking it in, you might want to search the web for a great BMW forum.

A forum is a place where people with the same interests post about said interest. Questions, how-to's, reviews, modifications, problems, etc, will all be found at a great forum.

Answer 4

Sounds to me like you have an upper strut bearing going bad. THis will make that same sound. It lets your strut pivot. Sometimes you can soak it and the strut with wd40 and the noise will go away for a minute