BMW M-Series: Crack Noise From Front Axle at Low Speeds

BMW M-Series Tech Tip: Crack Noise From Front Axle At Low Speeds

Customers may complain of cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed. The cause could be a loose connection securing the front axle and front end components. To correct the problem, tighten the loose components or lubricate the bearing surfaces.


Models:

2014-current M2, M3 and M4

Condition:
Cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed. The cause could be a loose connection securing the front axle and front end components. To correct the problem, tighten the loose components or lubricate the bearing surfaces.

Procedure:
1. Check the spring, strut and shock absorber.
• Remove screw connection of the spring on the swivel bearing where the strut connects to the knuckle.
• Replace the bolt and retighten to 56 Nm.
• Reassess the noise.

2. Check the stiffening plate screws.
• Remove the stiffening plate screws.
• Clean the contact surfaces of the stiffening plate.
• Replace the bolts and tighten to 56 Nm and 90 degrees of rotation.
• Reassess the noise.

3. Check the front axle/cradle supports fasteners.
• Release adapter screw connections on the front axle supports.
• Retighten screw connection to 19 Nm.
• Reinstall bumper panels on the left and right.
• Reassess the noise.

4. Lubricate wheel bearing mounting surfaces.
• Use wheel bearing surface repair kit #83 19 2 298 825.
• Remove the wheel bearing hub unit.
• Using sandpaper, carefully sand the contact surfaces on the knuckle and hub unit until the surface is evenly rough while maintaining a flat surface.
• Squeeze the components of the provided lubricant onto a mixing surface and blend together.
• Rub all of the lubricant mix onto the tip of a folded cloth.
• Apply the lubricant to the surfaces that make contact with the hub unit. Work the lubricant into the fine scoring patterns created during sanding. Note: The surface should be sticky to the touch and no lubricant should remain on the edges.
• Remount the wheel bearing hub unit.

5. Using sandpaper, clean and rough up the inside surfaces rotor hat and flange.
• Reassemble the vehicle and reassess the noise.

Courtesy of ALLDATA.

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