Wierd Clunk sound in the front-end

[jake169]

I have a 2011 35is and lately when the car has been sitting for a while, it makes a clunky metal sound when the sterring wheel is turned. Seems like it is coming from the front end, but cannot replicate after the car has been driven a few minutes. There is no change in the stearing response and such or so I think so. Anyone have any idea what coul dbe going on here.

Thanks,
Jake.

[jake169]

Anyone?

[SpikeMilligan]

Does it happen about a minute or two after the engine is started? The 35is has a dual exhaust system with a crossover valve in the middle, so while it is warming up only the left side (in N.A.) exhaust is in use. When it warms up there is a vacuum-activated valve in the crossover that activates and switches to the two separate exhaust systems. This makes a metallic 'klunk' sound, and it surprised me at first until I figured out what it was.

[jake169]

Yes it is after start-up, although it does seem to come from the front end, thanks for that additional piece of info.

[penguen]

I had same problem after installing akrapovic down pipe. They just oiled something just over gas pedeal and the problem solved.

[SpikeMilligan]

Originally Posted by jake169

Yes it is after start-up, although it does seem to come from the front end, thanks for that additional piece of info.

With the engine cold, start it up and then go behind the car. You'll see (or actually feel, it was easier to tell during winter) that the exhaust is only coming out of one side. Wait a couple of minutes and see if the sound matches the one you're hearing. The exhaust system conducts sound pretty well, so I wouldn't be surprised if it sounds like it comes from the front.

[jake169]

I am hard pressed to believe it was from the exhast, because it is quite distinctly from the front end by front axl. Also the sound only occurs after the car has been sitting for about 24 hours of not driving. Anything less than that there is no sound. Almost seems like something needs a good lubing.

[Lurcher]

Caliper binding?

Check brake pad wear...

[jake169]

Hmmmm, you could be right sir, hoping it is the caliper as I have been in two minds of getting a BBK. Just torn between the F30 M brakes/brembo or the PB brake kit. The only good part of the PB is so far the reviews are good and the owner Dan is super responsive and hepful. Also PB brakes is the only company to offer front and back upgrades.

[rking117]

The caliper is a possibility, if i wash my car or it rains on it and it sits when i go to drive it the next day i feel and hear it when it releases. It isnt a cluck perse but noticeable. If this is not what you are hearing then i would recommend that you have it suspension looked at. Maybe some bushing somewhere is worn out.

[Xpuzzle]

Hey OP - I used to have a similar problem hearing metallic noise whenever I make left turns. It started after I had DPs installed. It turned out the DP would rub/bump against the subframe (?) during left turns. My car is lowered so there is very little clearance between the DP and the frame. I took the car back to the installer and they adjusted the DP (at the turbo side) so there is more clearance with the frame. No more noise after that.