Have an '07 R56 with 76k miles. Recently (abruptly) picked up a clunk on pass side front corner. Can't find anything loose, broken, or missing when I lift the front end to inspect.

Can someone please describe exactly how to test for failed control arm bushings (mine are originals)? Short of pulling them off, I'm not sure how look test if they're FUBAR.

If I can't confirm they're bad, I'm planning to order Bilstein HD struts and start that job. At the same time, I'll get a chance to loosen and torque a bunch of front end parts and hopefull the culpret will show it's ugly head. Should I just go ahead and order the bushings (and for $6 more the whole bushing assembly) for both sides and replace that which is known to not last this long on average anyway?

 

Look at the front sway bar Bolts. The other thing to look at is the bolt on the top plate. I had some clunking from these two areas before. Cleared up after some tightening.

 

Transmission and engine mounts can cause the same noise too.

 

Thanks guys!