2001 BMW 740iL Clunking Noise and Steering Wheel Shaking

Question

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!

Answer 1

As a follow up to my previous statement about the power steering rack. I have since taken the vehicle to BMW dealership and they have identified the front sway bars require replacement. They said that when the car heats up after driving it for a while, the ball joints have some type of liquid in it that heats up. Once it expands, the sway bars will make noise.  He shook the car on the passenger front door and repeated the sound when the car was hot and parked. Suggest you look into diagnosing the sway bars.  Write back to confirm what your repair was.

Answer 2

I have the same problem. I was told that the power steering rack gear box is going bad.  I also found some recall on this. When the car heats up the rack begins to make noise because the oil thins as it gets hotter. This may be the same thing going on. I had my busings replaced and alignment done and none of those fixed anything.  Check this recall notice:

NHTSA Campaign Number: 10E021000  
Vehicle/Equipment Make: BMW  
Vehicle/Eqipment Model: 740IL  
Model Year: 2001  
Mfg Campaign Number:  
Mfg Component Desc: STEERING:LINKAGES:LINK:DRAG:CONNECTION  
Mfg Involved in Recall: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE  
Manufacture Dates:  
Type of Report: (E) Vehicle  
Potential # of Units Affected: 150  
Date Owner Notified by Mfg:  
Recall Initiated By: MFR  
Mfg Responsible for Recall: FCP GROTON, LLC  
Report Recieved Date: 05-27-10  
Record Creation Date: 05-27-10  
Regulation Part Number:  
FMVSS Number:  
Defect Summary: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.  
Consequence Summary: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.  
Corrective Summary: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.