Recently my rear suspension has started making odd sounds (something like deep thuds). It sounds like when you have something heavy bouncing around in your trunk. The car is a 1984 300SD with @ 220000 miles on the clock.

I've visually inspected the shocks and they don't seem to be leaking or noisy when stationary.

I wonder what would be the cause for those sounds and what I should do to fix it?

Is this car still driveable in this case or should I change the shocks ASAP?

Rear differential mount-usually can be verified by a "rise" in the rear of the car when placed in reverse or a "squat" when placed in drive.

Subframe mounts-low riding rear and loose, wallowing in turns.

Trailing Arm Bushings- strange wear on rear tires, wallowing in turns, and unstable in curving roads at highway speeds.

However, if this thump is noted when gear shifts occur, it may be a flex-disc. If this is the case, change ASAP. Much damage can happen to the car if it lets go at highway speeds.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

If it's bump-sensitive, check your sway bar links.

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1989 300E 144K

It seems to be more bump related than anything else. How can I find those sway-bar links?

Road manners and behaviour are not disturbed in any noticeable way.

The swaybar links are really easy to replace, about 10 minutes each. Just take off the wheel and it will be obvious. It's usually a plastic piece that links the sway bar to the hub. They are cheap too.

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"spreading a trail of obnoxious where ever we go"
1981 300sd w/ 341,500 miles

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