[Storksey]

That sounds a very positive move mate, looking forward to hearing how your car drives when all the work is complete.

 

[Cirrus82]

Well, the new B4s, top mounts and dust covers are in. The car feels better to the point that I'll get on with the fronts next and consider some Eibach springs.

The rear right was definitely shot. I don't know how to upload a video here so I've stuck it on YouTube as a short -

You can see a lot of corrosion on the offending shock and the top nut was hard work to release. Sadly though, the tapping noise from inside the car is still as loud as ever.

This is the only solution I've found to drowning out the noise :ears: thank God for chav mode

 

[Storksey]

Sorry to hear the tapping has not gone away, but well worth replacing that shocker was shot

 

[Alan G]

I have got used to the noise in the dash on our 320d.
Stripped as much as i can but little use now in my left hand restricts me with some jobs and my m8 with a garage will do most work for me but just laughs at that one.
Put up with it now for 7 years lol.

 

[Cirrus82]

Definitely glad the shock is replaced, seems a little less floaty but I'm anything but qualified to know any better.

Still not ready to give up on the tapping noise yet and after another Google session I've seen this video, which ironically is in an Fx series BMW as well. It's essentially using sound frequencies to induce the vibration via a device called Picoscope.

Not sure it'll work with mine as it sounds like whatever is making the tapping is too large, but I'll firstly give it a go with an app through the speakers from my phone.

 

[Storksey]

Interesting, although I am not clear how this directs you to the offending fault.

But I will be Interested to hear how you get on with it.

 

[Alan G]

As above.

 

[Cirrus82]

So, semi success, but not from the soundwave stuff which nearly made me vomit 😂

After taking the wheel off again, removing the wheel arch liner and not finding anything loose I found a video online of someone fixing their noises via lubricating all the ball joints and bushings with silicone spray. It's only a temporary fix if it worked but would highlight that the noise is not a tapping but an intermittent creaking.

Finally I managed to recreate the noise on demand by swerving the car left and right, unloading and loading the chassis further compounding the idea it's bushings or creaking roof.

Anyway to cut a boring story short I tried it out and it's only bloody worked. Absolutely dowsed the rubber bushings and spring seats, subframe mounts, etc in silicone, drove for about 5 to 10 minutes and it's stopped the noise. Made a video - it sounds more like creaking here than tapping because of the swerving to make it happen all the time. Before this it was just the odd tap tap noise, but elongated it sounds like a creak.

Now I'll need to figure out which bushing or rubber component is knackered but for now at least, no bloody noise.

 

[Storksey]

This sounds like a big step forward mate, good to hear your on the right track.

Glad you posted up your progress, as I have noticed lots of guys seldom do.

 

[Alan G]

I bet it's doing your head in now ??? witch one is it ?? lol.

 

[Cirrus82]

I'll end up doing them all, I can tell! It's either that or a match to it 🤣