Suspension squeaks

[Dodge]

I've read previous threads about this and checked the upper control arms which seems to cause suspension squeaks and creaks. But upon looking underneath over the weekend it would appear that the noise is coming from the actual air springs! Is this possible, I'm thinking of doing a conversion to normal springs but wanted to be sure this could be the cause. I can hear a creaking just by getting in and out of the car, over the last two weeks it has become quite pronounced on every bump or turn, it only creaks though, there are no clonks, bangs or rattles. What should I look at changing first?

[shadrack]

Its more likely to be a bush, mine was a bush pressed in to the hub end of the big alloy arm this then had a long tube sction bolted to it with a bolt 6" long, if you suspect any of the bushes slacken the bolt off and see if the squeak goes, you could also try a load of wd40 etc over all the bushes as I may just be some trapped rubbish making the squeak

[Raj]

If its at the rear then most likely the ball joint. Very common cause of squeaking at the rear.

[Dodge]

Thanks for the replys guys.

The ball joint, is that on the control arm upper or lower? or is there a main ball joint?

[shadrack]

on mine it was number 2 in the picture, see what I mean with loosen the bolt to stop the squeak, if that works it that one, but it could be any of them

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=30

[Dodge]

[quote="shadrack"]
on mine it was number 2 in the picture, see what I mean with loosen the bolt to stop the squeak, if that works it that one, but it could be any of them

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=30
[/quote]

Thanks, is it easy enough to change with general spanners etc...or do you need a press tool?

[shadrack]

[quote="Dodge"]
[quote="shadrack"]
on mine it was number 2 in the picture, see what I mean with loosen the bolt to stop the squeak, if that works it that one, but it could be any of them

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=30
[/quote]

Thanks, is it easy enough to change with general spanners etc...or do you need a press tool?
[/quote]

a press toll, raj might have one someone on here has it

[Raj]

[quote="shadrack"]
[quote="Dodge"]
[quote="shadrack"]
on mine it was number 2 in the picture, see what I mean with loosen the bolt to stop the squeak, if that works it that one, but it could be any of them

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=30
[/quote]

Thanks, is it easy enough to change with general spanners etc...or do you need a press tool?
[/quote]

a press toll, raj might have one someone on here has it
[/quote]

Yep I've got the original BM one. Allows you to press the old one out and new one in whilst in situ.

[Steamyrotter]

Air springs can squeek.
Had it in my old E39 Touring.
Found some gunge stuck on the bag which enabled the bag to rub and then squeek.

PITA finding it and rectifying.

However on the X5 more than likely the bush.

[shadrack]

I have that bush brand new (number2 in pic) in kitchen draw, bought a pair and fitted one, £20 delivered

[Dodge]

Im quite happy to change the rear ball joint or the bushings or even the rear springs.

BUT i dont want to change things on a guess or unnecessarily, id rather confirm whats is causing the noise and rectify that, before the squeaking drives me mad....... :blink:

Its reminding me of driving a horse and cart.........

[CondorX5]

Have noticed a creaking / squeaking noise from the rear as the car sets off at low speed from a cold start in the mornings, I take it this is likely to be the ball joint?  It vanishes when driving and makes no difference to the handling of the car - apart from being annoying, does it need to be changed with any urgency?    As its a ball joint I assume it unlikely to be covered by warranty as it will be a wear and tear part? 

[Raj]

[quote="CondorX5"]
Have noticed a creaking / squeaking noise from the rear as the car sets off at low speed from a cold start in the mornings, I take it this is likely to be the ball joint?  It vanishes when driving and makes no difference to the handling of the car - apart from being annoying, does it need to be changed with any urgency?    As its a ball joint I assume it unlikely to be covered by warranty as it will be a wear and tear part?
[/quote]

It's not an immediate issue as the rubber is starting to perish. Mine drive fine also but will allow small variations in movement of the hub (not really visible) and can cause small amounts of vibration.

Mine was really badly squealing for a few weeks before I changed them. But when I removed it, it did kind of fall apart lol.

Ask the question about being covered as you really never know from your last visit.

[CondorX5]

That's true. The split cv boots being covered were a bit of a revelation. I think they'll faint if the car comes back so soon! I only heard the creaking when partner took the car out and I was on the drive behind it while it was moving off, I don't notice it myself in the mornings.  Is it an expensive job?

[Raj]

[quote="CondorX5"]
That's true. The split cv boots being covered were a bit of a revelation. I think they'll faint if the car comes back so soon! I only heard the creaking when partner took the car out and I was on the drive behind it while it was moving off, I don't notice it myself in the mornings.  Is it an expensive job?
[/quote]

I have the BMW tool to press them in/out and it a few hours work to do both sides. Ball joints themselves are depending upon if you want Meyle OE quality ones or actual OE ones from dealer. Meyle ones are about £20 each. Dealer ones a bit more.