I have this same issue. First I had the clunk on slow speed bumps so I figured wtf, I'll just buy the 8 piece lower suspension kit with new tie rods, lower and upper control arms, bushings, etc. I replaced them and the clunk on bumps went away, handling improved greatly, etc. However, the knocking when moving the steering wheel L & R quickly at slow speed or pulling into driveway, etc... not gone. So, I assume the problem is this loose bolt, or I have to replace the part that you replaced. Hopefully its just tightening.

 

To get to either of the bolts top/bottom is a pain, in the cabin you have to remove the lower steering wheel trim, and at the bottom you may get away by removing just the undertray(s) but I think there's some plastic covers you have to remove by the driver's side wheel, you could remove the wheel to make it easier. If tightening doesn't do it, leave the trim off and have a shop in mind to take it in. I just finished putting the trim back inside the cabin. I wanted to make sure the noise was gone before I put the trim back, as I said it's a pain to take off, I went at it blindly just feeling my way and was lucky I didn't break anything. I'm starting to think that run-flat tires have something to do with the malfunction of the lower joint shaft, too many vibrations sent through it that it starts losing it up, it's a two piece system, maybe the grooves wear down ?? If you get the old part back, you'll know what I mean by a two piece system and grooves. Good luck!

 

By the way, before I put the steering dash cover back I sprayed the brake pedal bushing with silicone grease/flued and it made an improvement, I tried to adjust it (too much play left to right and a bit noisy) but couldn't figure out a way to do other than replacing the bracket that holds the brake pedal, but the silicone helped to quiet it down.

 

Glad you got this solved for a fraction of the cost

 

I just can't get over the fact how much the dealer overcharges customer for parts while car is in for repair. Most online places, the part only costs around $ 1200, and they sell it for almost $ 1600. Now I understand why lots of members here call them stealer.

 

Hi,

I have an 04 530i e60, m54 with active steering and I seem to be having the same knocking sounds at low speeds previously mentioned. Can someone please please tell me how and what bolts I can tighen myself and where they are located exactly.

Thanks,
jbanks

 

the first thing to check is a tie rods
grab y front wheels and push 9-3 o'clock / 12-6 - o'clock

 

Wow! Seems like it worked to tighten torx number six and spraying down all joints with lubrication spray. Now the squeak when the steering adjust up and down is gone and my clicking noise is gone. I have AFS as well. E60 2004. Many thanks!