Just so you know, those sway bar end links have been the biggest source of
clunking in the front ends of w203 cars. All the parts in that picture were updated by MB in 2003.
DTB
Date: July 29, 2003
Order No.: P-B-32.20/17a
Supersedes: P-B-32.20/17 dated July 24, 2003
Group: 32
Revision:
SUBJECT:
VIN No. updated for Exxxxxx
Model 203.040/061/064/065/081/084/261/264/281/284/740/747/764
Up to VIN A452736, F356257 and E014641
Knocking or Rumbling Noise From the Front Axle Area on Rough Roads
If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles of a knocking or rumbling noise from the front
axle area when driving on rough roads, check the ball joints for the front torsion bar links for excessive
wear. The excessive wear can be caused by moisture entering through the sealing bellows. In this case,
there will be noticeable play in the ball joint. To resolve, install new torsion bar links. As of October 2002
production.
Repair procedure, refer to WIS document no. AR32.20-P-0300P.
Parts Information
Qty. Part Name Part Number

2 Torsion bar link rod 203 320 28 89**

Other possible cause -

DTB Date: April 7, 2004 Order No.: P-B-33.10/11 Supersedes: Group: 33
SUBJECT: Model 203.040/061/064/065/261/264/740/764
Rumbling Noises While Driving Over Bumps or On Bad Roads
If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles of rumbling noises while driving over bumps or on bad roads, please refer to the below possible causes / remedies. Experience has shown that knocking or thumping noises from the front axle has nothing to do with the lower cross strut or the suspension strut.
Cause 1: The rubber mount on the torque strut is cracked and losing fluid. Affected vehicles are up to VIN A436252 and F339810.
Remedy: Replace the rubber bushing only. Refer to WIS document AF33.15-P-1120BG.
Cause 2: The drop links of the torsion bar may have too much play due to corrosion. Affected vehicles are up to VIN A449884 and F352398
Remedy: Replace the torsion bar drop links. Refer to WIS Document AF32.20-P-1105AG.
Cause 3: The rubber mount of the torsion bar has too much play and is worn out. Affected vehicles are up to VIN A407163 and F311913
Remedy: Replace the rubber mount of the torsion bar. Refer to WIS Document AF32.20-P-1001AG.
Cause 4: Excessive play in the torque strut joint, which may cause knocking noises. Affected vehicles are up to VIN A098943 and F070099
Remedy: Inspect the torque strut joint by raising the vehicle on a chassis lift so that the wheels are not under tension. Manually move the torque strut in a vertical direction up and down in the vicinity of the ball joint while looking for play. If play is present, replace the torque strut. Refer to WIS Document AR33.15-P-0160P.
Cause 5: The distance between the rebound stop and the rubber mount for the shock absorber strut is too small. Affected vehicles are up to VIN A072536 and F049970.
Remedy: Check the clearance between the rebound stop and rubber mount on the shock absorber strut. The clearance must be between 1-2 mm. If there is not enough clearance, replace the rebound stop. Refer to WIS Document BA32.25-P-1006-01B.

Parts Information Qty. As Required Rebound Stop A203 323 02 32 ** As Required Torque Strut left A203 330 01 11 ** As Required Torque Strut right A203 330 02 11 **

Hope this helps.
Dr.D

__________________
Dr.Diesel -
Shop Foreman
Master Guild Mercedes-Benz Technician.

Think the dealer is expensive? Do you know how much it costs to train a dealer tech? Or buy the required MB special tools to have on hand?