BMW Diagnostics: Ticking Noise Without Having The Brakes Applied

BMW: Ticking Noise Without Having The Brakes Applied

Customers may experience a ticking noise coming from the front wheels while cornering without the brakes applied.

MODELS w/5×120 wheel bolt pattern:

  • F06 (6 Series Gran Coupe),
  • F07 (6 Series Gran Turismo),
  • F10 (5 Series Sedan),
  • F12 (6 Series Convertible),
  • F13 (6 Series Coupe),
  • F15 (X5 Sports Activity Vehicle),
  • F16 (X6 Sports Activity Coupe),
  • F22 (2 Series Coupe),
  • F23 (2 Series Convertible),
  • F25 (X3 Sports Activity Vehicle),
  • F26 (X4 Sports Activity Coupe),
  • F30 (3 Series Sedan),
  • F31 (3 Series Sports Wagon),
  • F32 (4 Series Coupe),
  • F33 (4 Series Convertible),
  • F34 (3 Series Gran Turismo),
  • F36 (4 Series Gran Coupe),
  • F39 (X2 Sports Activity Coupe)
  • MODELS w/5×112 wheel bolt pattern: 
  • G01 (X3 Sports Activity Vehicle),
  • G02 (X4 Sports Activity Coupe),
  • G05 (X5 Sports Activity Vehicle),
  • G06 (X6 Sports Activity Coupe),
  • G07 (X7 Sports Activity Vehicle),
  • G12 (7 Series Sedan),
  • G14 (8 Series Convertible),
  • G15 (8 Series Coupe),
  • G16 (8 Series Gran Coupe),
  • G20 (3 Series Sedan),
  • G29 (Z4 Roadster),
  • G30 (5 Series Sedan),
  • G32 (640i xDrive Gran Turismo),
  • I01 (i3),
  • I12 (i8 Coupe),
  • I15 (i8 Roadster) 

Customers may experience a ticking noise coming from the front wheels while cornering without the brakes applied. This is especially noticeable at low speeds. And, of course, the vehicle must be moving.

This may be caused by microscopic movement of the contact interface between the inner brake disc and the wheel bearing flange on vehicles equipped with lightweight brake discs. To correct the issue, a friction ring must be installed between the brake disc and the wheel bearing flange.

Service Procedure:

  1. Verify that the noise is produced when cornering without the brakes applied.
  2. Verify that lightweight brake rotors are installed on the vehicle (Figure 1).
  3. Remove the brake discs. Clean the wheel bearing flange with brake cleaner.
  4. Install the “friction ring” on wheel bearing flange (Figure  2).
  5. Repeat the procedure for the opposite front wheel. Reassemble in reverse order.

You May Also Like

ADAS Calibration Aborts

Troubleshooting the problem comes down to knowing the failure, vehicle or fixtures.

If you have invested in the fixtures and scan tools to perform ADAS calibrations, you know most systems will walk you through the entire process. But, what happens when you follow the directions and the process still won’t initialize or complete or a malfunction light comes on?

Understanding Differences Between Aluminum And Cast Iron

Sheer material differences aside, what are the features and benefits of aluminum and iron engine components?

Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Leaks

Ford has revised the service information for the inspection and pinpoint tests of the turbocharger and oil lines.

ADAS False Activation Evolution

Since 2006, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have evolved from active cruise control to autonomous driving controls.

Crankshaft Counterweights And Balancing

Imbalance in the engine exhibits vibration and damage. Balancing becomes critical to any engine build.

Other Posts

Diagnosing Misfires

What if there are no codes and a misfire is intermittent? This is where it gets complicated. 

The Importance Of ADAS Calibrations

Following best practices and using appropriate equipment ensure customer satisfaction and safety.

Fuel Pressure Diagnostic Service

Use a scan tool that can look at special direct fuel injection parameters and perform bidirectional tests.

Why Do Vehicles Go Out Of Alignment?

If camber, caster or toe are out of specifications, there is usually a reason why.