E39 front suspension noise

[jeffbebe 1559]

There's a light metallic twang - like something's a bit loose - when I go over bumps. When I push down the front right there is an audible squeak/hiss (like air being forced out) but the metallic sound isn't there.

Failing ball joint or is there something that can come loose that might cause it? Easiest way to work out what's causing it? Presumably if it's a ball joint or tie rod it would be best to replace on both sides at the same time.

Car has been regularly serviced and no other suspension issues previously that I'm aware of.

[Etwenty1 45]

There's a light metallic twang - like something's a bit loose - when I go over bumps. When I push down the front right there is an audible squeak/hiss (like air being forced out) but the metallic sound isn't there.

Failing ball joint or is there something that can come loose that might cause it? Easiest way to work out what's causing it? Presumably if it's a ball joint or tie rod it would be best to replace on both sides at the same time.

Car has been regularly serviced and no other suspension issues previously that I'm aware of.

I got a similar sound on my 528i, i removed the front wheel and gave the hub a tap with a rubber mallet. It seems to be coming from the caliper/pad assembly so i'm thinking grease needed on backing plates etc. Will follow to see what help you get....

[Allanw 1065]

There's a light metallic twang - like something's a bit loose - when I go over bumps. When I push down the front right there is an audible squeak/hiss (like air being forced out) but the metallic sound isn't there.

Failing ball joint or is there something that can come loose that might cause it? Easiest way to work out what's causing it? Presumably if it's a ball joint or tie rod it would be best to replace on both sides at the same time.

Car has been regularly serviced and no other suspension issues previously that I'm aware of.

Sway bar drop links

[Lubed 55]

A very common rattle from E39 front suspension occurs when small stones get trapped behind the disc backing plate,between the plate and the hub.The noise is most pronounced when driving over a short sharp bump, could be a good place to start.

[jeffbebe 1559]

Sway bar drop links

How do I confirm? Is there an easy test?

A very common rattle from E39 front suspension occurs when small stones get trapped behind the disc backing plate,between the plate and the hub.The noise is most pronounced when driving over a short sharp bump, could be a good place to start.

Definitely consistent with the sound on short, sharp bumps - will check it out. Wouldn't cause the squeak when I bounce front right though, eh? Should have added that suspension otherwise feels perfect.

[hotwire 352]

Have already done the sway bar drop arms - more of a knock noise when going over rough terrain. You should be able to feel the loose joint.

Have got another noise (rattle/squark) in ours that I have yet to confirm the problem - a quick look showed nothing obvious - which reminds me...

Have been there with the caliper noise - squark when braking. Was the pad locator had come adrift from the pad.

[Donny 0]

There's a light metallic twang - like something's a bit loose - when I go over bumps. When I push down the front right there is an audible squeak/hiss (like air being forced out) but the metallic sound isn't there.

Failing ball joint or is there something that can come loose that might cause it? Easiest way to work out what's causing it? Presumably if it's a ball joint or tie rod it would be best to replace on both sides at the same time.

Car has been regularly serviced and no other suspension issues previously that I'm aware of.

I have this same twang.. Have you found any solutions?

[elmarco 56]

Knackered shock? Take it to someone who can diagnose it properly - like a suspension specialist with an in ground shaker pad to test the shocks under load.