Firstfives.org

On my commute this morning, I was on the freeway and my e12 kind of veered by herself within the lane, real quick like, almost like I hit a patch of ice (I did not). I corrected it quickly, and as I did so, heard two clunks coming from what sounded like the front left wheel. I slowed down and moved into the right lane, and kept driving carefully to work, but could not get the symptom to return. When I arrived at work, I noticed that I have play in both my front wheels. With the car on the ground, I grab the top of the tire, and if I rock back and forth with my weight I can feel quite a bit of play in each wheel. I checked the lug bolts just in case, and they were all tight. Is this a wheel bearing or ball joint or something else? I am a little freaked out to drive the car on the freeway, although after that brief moment this morning, it seemed fine.

I read the wheel bearing FAQ and am a little confused. If my bearings have play can I tighten them per the instructions, or must I replace them?

Probably just an out of adjustment bearing, but bearings do wear out and it's impossible to really say from here. Could be the strut cartridge, Ball joint or even the upper strut mount. Or just a loose strut. You've got to dig in there and see where the play is coming from.

You have to lift the car, grab the wheel top and bottom and rock it. The location of the play will be obvious. (Ball joint, or wheel bearing.)
Do it again left to right. (Tie rod, steering rod or wheel bearing.) Try also to move the wheel itself forward and back. Strut rod bushings will cause play in that direction if they are worn.
You can also rock the sterring wheel back and forth and see if the road wheel moves. When straight ahead, there should be pretty much zero play.

I had a bit of that on my 745i. Just retorqued the castle nut and never had the issue again.

Well on the way home last night my front wheel started squeaking and grinding intermittently just as I got off the highway. Guess I will be taking the bus until I can put new bearings in.