Dink in front end?

[Phillips0417]

Dink is the only way I can describe it? Like a metal on metal sound going over bumps with any sort of speed. Going over speed bumps is alright because I'm going slow enough, but with my windows down I can hear a sound coming from the front suspension area, don't know what it could be, maybe in need of new struts? Not too sure. I'm looking into whole new front suspension, control arms, tie rods, etc. to improve handling and tighter feel. Thanks for any comments!

[RacerJames666]

I get a "dugada-dugada-dugada" from my bad sway bar droplink
Go upfront and push down repeadetly over the struts(maybe even pulling up from the fender edge) untill you hear some noise. My droplink makes none to very little noise this way, but over bumps, "dugada-dugada-dugada"

[Jaffa_007]

is your car lowered?

[Phillips0417]

nah, it's not lowered...yet..I've been considering it, but it's already got 17" M3 wheels on it and I'm concerned about rubbing. And that'd be a good idea to do James, but it's pouring down rain right now..will do!

[Manolito]

Most likely a bushing or strut.

If you still have the original ball joints in a '93, change them now! The ball joints in early e36s can fail catastrophically. The newer design that you will replace them with is stronger.

Some folks run their struts until they see oil leaking out. That is like not buying new tires until you see cords showing. Struts are well past their performance and safety peak when they start leaking oil. When they start to loose oil, they sometimes start to get noisy. Replacing struts on an e36 is very easy. Replacing ball joints is a bit harder but still a DIY job if you have a good set of tools or are willing to buy some.

[acarr87]

another guess could be the brake caliper clip, and the pad is movin round whenever you go over a bump, thus making a dink kinda sound... i lost one of my clips and it made a noise for a while...

[Phillips0417]

I've been thinking about changing the struts anyways..but I was thinking about waiting until I have enough money to buy the whole front assembly..steering rack, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, the whole deal..What's a job like that usually cost? I'm planning on doing it myself, but I have a friend with a shop who will help me and do the alignment for me.

[Phillips0417]

Also, on a side note, I want to go with "good" shocks. Maybe Bilstiens? Maybe Sachs? I'm just not sure. Like I said before, I would like it to have a little less body roll, handle corners better, maybe that's just from worn out supsension components? But I'm wondering what's the best setup to go with, probably need new springs too, while I'm in there. But I'd like it close to stock without feeling every bump in the road. What setup would give me best results with new springs and shocks in the front and probably in need of new springs in rear. New shocks in rear already to pass inspection.

[gixerdave1983]

id say your droplinks have gone, they are cheap so may aswell do them anyway.

[Phillips0417]

Yeah, I'm gonna do it all at once, while I'm there. Trying to figure out the best setup to go with. Any suggestions?

[Phillips0417]

C'mon guys, give me some help!! Also, I don't want anything drastic, I just want a better handling car, like she used to..and I don't wanna be burning through tires left and right, do i need camber plates??!

[Bimmer Bum]

Steering rack? not a normal maintenance item. Having problems with it?

[Phillips0417]

No, no problems, I have a minor oil leak my friend is gonna fix for me, it's the oil pan gasket and all that crap has to come off. But he works for BMW so I'm gettin it done for next to nothin. The steering rack is dirty, I'm gonna clean it; I don't think it's leaking, certainly nothing from the boots which is where it would appear correct? Just want a tight feel again, maybe can be accomplished with just new tie rods and suspension components. Waddya think? Thanks!