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My 87 BMW M6 has started to make clunking noises when I turn the steering wheel hard left or right when I am backing out of the driveway or parking space. It doesn’t make noise when driving with slight turns. I recently had much of the front end replaced, i.e. tie rods, struts, etc. It only makes this noise with the wheels on the ground and not on a hoist with the wheels dangling. Do you have any ideas?
A
There are a few probable areas that could be causing the clunking that you described. Can you make the clunk happen while standing still? Turning the wheel, with the tires on the ground; If you quickly transition from left to right and right to left, can you make the sound occur? If so, the first thing to check is the steering gearbox mounting bracket and bolts. Get the car up on ramps or a ramp-type lift. You need the weight on the suspension and to be able to get under the car. Have a helper turn the wheel left and right so that the clunk can be heard. Closely watch the actual gearbox. Is it moving …. even a very slight bit? If it is, look for a cracked mounting bracket or loose or broken mounting bolts. This fault is common on all E28 (5-series 82-88) and later E24 (6-series 83-89) models.
Have you replaced the sway bar connecting links? This is a common fault that can cause clunking. Was the sound present prior to the recent suspension work? Did you replace the upper strut mounts?
