Weird front end problem.

[Hatterasguy]

When braking as I am just about to stop say under 5mph I will sometimes get a funny sounding clunk from the front end. But it only does it sometimes and I can feel it in the brake pedal, their are usually two clunks.

Now everything is tight up their I just put in 4 new Bilstein comfort shocks this week and everthing is very tight. The tie rods and drap link are new. I'm stumped all of the bushings look fine the brakes are perfect? What could be causing this? ABS maybe? What throws me is that it comes and goes.

Other than that the SDL is riding like a new car with the Bilsteins!

[Ara T.]

Good ride? Not too soft/not too hard?

[Hatterasguy]

I would say the ride feels about right. The old shocks didn't rid that badly. They were all leaking very badly but still had some life left. But the Bilsteins made the suspension feel tight. (if that makes sense) I know some twisty roads and enjoy pushing the SDL through the curves a little. Before 50 was about the max now I can do 55-60 with complete comfort! They really made the car handle like it should bumps that used to throw it off now don't bother it.

Bilsteins are worth every penny!

[whunter]

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

When braking as I am just about to stop say under 5mph I will sometimes get a funny sounding clunk from the front end. But it only does it sometimes and I can feel it in the brake pedal, their are usually two clunks.

1987 Mercedes Benz 300SDL
Part: Guide Rod Mount Kit
L2017-36117 Guide Rod Mount Kit Febi IN STOCK $71.83

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1D6124YYN1DK1F3J2P&year=1987&make=MB&model=300-SDL-001&category=L&part=Guide+Rod+Mount+Kit

upper Control Arm

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1D6124YYN1DK1F3J2P&year=1987&make=MB&model=300-SDL-001&category=L&part=Control+Arm

This will work for your car.
DIY Guide Rod replacement for Mercedes Benz 300SD.

DIY Bearing Bracket guide rod mount replacement for Mercedes Benz 300SD.

[Hatterasguy]

Thanks Whunter

Wow that stuff is expensive $225 for upper control arms and $150 for guide rods! I think I will just keep an eye on them for now maybe in the next few months I'll get to those.

Hatty, I just recently had the same problem. I knew what the problem was. I thought it was more of the lower ball joints, which it was. Usually, there are more problems. I found my upper control arms were bad as well. The lower ball joint, were gone. I don't know how my wheels were still on. I also replaced the drag link, the tie-rods were fine though. I did all this for about $475.00 and my labor.

[Eric Eliel]

On my previous 300D the strut rod bushing support bracket that is welded to the frame (rearward) was cracked. That rt angle bracket had to be welded. When I applied the brakes I could hear a clicking noise. The strut rod had to be pulled before welding the bracket. I had this done at a front end shop. Check those support brackets.

[Hatterasguy]

I'm not sure what you mean by strut rod? The shock?

I just spent 3 afternoons this week under the car everything seems to be in good shape so I am not to worried. Some of the bushings are starting to look a little tired though. Over winter break in another month or so I will tackle the guide rod mounts and take it from their.

Would this trip the ABS light? For some reason over the last two days my ABS light will come on and only go off when I restart the car. Then it will stay off for awhile. It came on when I was just driving yesterday and now just today when I was braking. Maybe these problems are related?

[whunter]

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Would this trip the ABS light? For some reason over the last two days my ABS light will come on and only go off when I restart the car. Then it will stay off for awhile. It came on when I was just driving yesterday and now just today when I was braking. Maybe these problems are related?

A shifted belt will cause ABS light to come on.