[Serf27]

I have an n54 e93 that has developed some noise on the front left when going right around curves.
The noise is similar to that of those lines cut on the side of the freeways. The lines that make a loud noise if you pull off to the shoulder.

The greater the speed, the louder the noise, only when going right.
Going left or straight makes no noise.
If I apply the brakes while going right, the noise will stop.
No noise when stopped or below 20 mph.
It sounds like it’s coming from the left front.

The only thing I can think of is the added weight on the left is causing the bearing to make noise..?

Here’s a video of the noise.

Any ideas or help appreciated.

[lowrydr310]

Sounds like symptoms of a bad wheel bearing.

What engine do you have? Didn't some of the N54s have issues with the power steering pulley rubbing something when the engine mount were bad?

[Serf27]

Thanks for the reply. It is the n54 engine. I forgot about the pulley running issue so I didn’t think to mention the engine.
I’ll take a look at the pulley too.
Could also be engine shifting weight to the left causing the rubbing?

What wheel bearing would you think is bad? If that is the issue.

[e90yyc]

Typically the bad wheel bearing is the one on opposite side of the direction you’re turning that produces the noise.

The description you give supports this perfectly: you hear a noise on the left when turning right.

[Serf27]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

Typically the bad wheel bearing is the one on opposite side of the direction you’re turning that produces the noise.

The description you give supports this perfectly: you hear a noise on the left when turning right.

Thank you!
The last bad wheel bearing I had was also diagnosed this way.
But it was a loud very obvious humming when driving straight or turning and it would only stop the hum when turned one way.

This noise is less of a hum but what you said is correct.
I hear it more on the left front. Safe to assume I should swap driver side front whee bearing first?

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by Serf27

Thank you!
The last bad wheel bearing I had was also diagnosed this way.
But it was a loud very obvious humming when driving straight or turning and it would only stop the hum when turned one way.

This noise is less of a hum but what you said is correct.
I hear it more on the left front. Safe to assume I should swap driver side front whee bearing first?

Before you go and swap it, jack the front of your car up and spin that wheel while holding onto a control arm or something else that's attached to the hub.

You should feel something. Grab the wheel and check for play, too.

I mean, even without doing any more testing that sure sounds like a wheel bearing, but IMO it's worth taking a closer look before you replace it.

[Serf27]

I will try that tomorrow.
Thanks again.

[Serf27]

I tried what you suggested and I didn’t feel anything. Both sides felt the same.
I’ve now developed a slight popping noise in the suspension. When I take off from a stop it will make the noise.
I just replaced all 4 front control arms!
I’m going to replace the left front wheel bearing.
I also double checked each bolt and nut on the control arms to make sure it was all tight and it is.

[Serf27]

It was the left bearing.
Unless the bearing is really bad, you can’t really tell by spinning the wheel and holding a control arm.
As soon as I removed the caliper/rotor and was able to freely spin the bearing, it was obvious it was bad.
Thanks.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by Serf27

It was the left bearing.
Unless the bearing is really bad, you can’t really tell by spinning the wheel and holding a control arm.
As soon as I removed the caliper/rotor and was able to freely spin the bearing, it was obvious it was bad.
Thanks.

Glad you got it sorted!

Also thanks for feedback on that method. I’ve heard it suggested a number of times but good to know that it might not reveal a bad bearing that isn’t completely toasted.

[Serf27]

Thanks for confirming what wheel bearing was bad.
I’ve heard of that method too.
My bearing was bad when I would turn only.
I’m guessing if the bearing made noise going straight or turning in either direction, then the hand method would work.