Hello All,

I have a 2009 JCW Clubman with a sport suspension and about 61,000 miles on it. For the past few weeks I've noticed this creaking/clicking sound coming from the driver's side wheel well when I initially accelerate or when the momentum changes to braking. The noise only happens once per change of momentum. I brought it to my local shop and they couldn't find anything that was loose or looked like it was awry. They recommended driving it till it got worse so it would be easier to figure out down the line.

Here's some info that may help:

1. It's not a rock in the tire, the noise only happens once when the momentum of the car shifts laterally

2. The noise does not happen when going over a pothole or driving over a speed bump (aka, it's the back and forth motion of the car, not the up and down, that is causing the issue)

3. I tried the axle nut suggested fix laid out in other threads and that didn't help.

4. The creak doesn't happen every time I hit the gas pedal (ie: If I'm on the highway and let off the gas and then step on it again, that would not cause the sound, ruling out and sort of driveshaft issue that I've seen in other threads)

I've been googling for weeks and have yet to come across anything that has helped. Maybe the collective mind here has a suggested fix?

Thanks for your time!

 

You've ensured it's not a strut mount or control arm bushings?
Typically when there's a click / squeak / clank during lateral momentum shifts, its typically a loose or worn suspension component.

- Erik

 

My 09 JCW R56 did this metallic click sound only intermittently when taking off; would swear it was axle but a new wheel bearing fixed it. The hub had NO axial play and felt sound. I cannot guarantee that is it. I've been in the auto repair biz for 35 years would swear it was NOT a bearing issue but these hubs are sealed units and who know what lurks...