Author Topic: Clunking from Passenger Side Rear Wheel Area (Read 8037 times)

Leon T. Trout · « **on:** November 08, 2011, 08:21:58 AM »

I just bought a 1991 318i with 221k and I noticed a clunking rattle from the passenger side rear wheel are when I go over bumps. Bushings? Bearings? What should I replace? The car had no service history, but has been generally well taken care of.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2011, 08:37:10 AM »

Most likely the upper shock mount. E30's are infamous for that part failing. I'm pretty sure everyone replaces it with the updated e36 'vert or e46 part. If not that, check the brake caliper and the parking brake shoes.

LeeThompson · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2011, 03:09:46 AM »

Quote from: DesktopDave;107939

If not that, check the brake caliper and the parking brake shoes.

I understand the first part, but why check the brake setup for a clunk?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2011, 07:07:43 AM »

The retaining pins rust out of the backing plate, letting the shoes clatter around inside the rear rotor. They make a lot of noise if that happens.

didgeridoodude · « **Reply #4 on:** November 29, 2011, 02:27:12 AM »

I had a similar problem on mine and it ended up being my fuel pump.. just something to look into!

erupert66 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:09:08 AM »

Ha! I am in a similar situation. Was going to post here. I bought a '91 318is for my son as a project car. In my case, the shock tower housing has torn away from the tub. Thoughts on repairs? is the whole housing available? Is there a reinforcement kit somewhere? They all seem to be focused on the top where the shock mounts. I'd post a pic if I could figure out how to get it small enough to upload.

bbarnumboy · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2012, 11:38:27 AM »

I know they make these for the E36, and also someone makes a weld on one, like the sub frame reinforcement plates. Not sure about the E30, but there has to be something similar.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3440-rear-shock-tower-mount-reinforcement-kit.aspx

visionracingdevelopments · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2012, 12:49:15 PM »

It'll likely be a rear top mount gone.

rjcaptsean · « **Reply #8 on:** February 25, 2012, 07:58:53 PM »

Ever figure it out? I would look at the rear CV joint also. The one by the wheel tends to go clunk when you first move, or over a sharp bump.

jdirty · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2012, 04:00:31 AM »

I've been having the same issue after i redid the rear suspension..
realized it was my rear passenger side sway bar link hitting the underside making it sound like the shock was bottoming out..

bbarnumboy · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2012, 08:26:31 AM »

I Have had a bad clunk for a while. I just recently put a new differential and axles in. I think it was the axles. I put the car on jack stands (Not recommended) and ran the car in 2nd gear at idle. I could hear one of my axles kind of making a grinding noise. I am pretty sure that was the cause of my clunking.

Clunk is now gone with the new parts.

Dreed76 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 26, 2012, 07:54:06 PM »

I'm having a similiar problem on my car. I just replaced the cv shafts and the rear shock mounts but Its still clunking when I go over bumbs and when I stop moving in reverse and start moving foward.

colin86325 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 27, 2012, 11:37:13 AM »

Quote from: Dreed76;112158

I'm having a similiar problem on my car. I just replaced the cv shafts and the rear shock mounts but Its still clunking when I go over bumbs and when I stop moving in reverse and start moving foward.

Sounds like the rear subframe mounts and/or diff mount.

wgfiii · « **Reply #13 on:** August 16, 2012, 11:41:26 AM »

If it's not the upper shock mounts, my money is on the subframe mounts or the trailing arm bushings. I had already done the shock mounts and when I replaced the rear bushings the 'clunk' went away