Nearly every single time I back out of my driveway, when I begin rolling backwards there is a loud POP from the front of the car. Sometimes it won't happen until I put the brakes on, then other times it won't happen at all. Then in the instance where I don't have to back up, just put it in drive and go, it doesn't pop all the time, but it still does often enough to make me cringe.

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1981 300SD, odometer stopped at 188,000

Maybe a sticky ball joint?

Before moving the car go and bounce the front up and down. It it pops, I suggest getting a needle attachment for your grease gun and shooting some grease in all your ball joints. While there you might as well shoot some in the tie rod joints too.

Good Luck.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Rear axle. Where does the sound come from? Have someone get in and see if you can isolate it.

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1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Could also be a track rod mount or a sloppy control arm bushing.

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'83 300D Turrrbo 295K miles

I've had that noise too (not consistant) but the front end on my car has been rebuilt...

I'll try the bounce idea.

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~shell
As of 2/2010:
2001 CLK55 0o\=*=/o0
13.6 @ 106mph
10K mi
1984 300SD
260K mi and going and going...
97 S600
46K miles
1991 Sentra SE-R (extremely dorked with)
www.se-r.net

Might be frozen break pads. I have heard that on the rear of my 240 a few times but it's usually around or below freezing when I hear it. Does it only do it when it's cold, or has been sitting for many hours.

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Both times that I've encountered popping noises from the front, it was due to a worn/dry track rod mount. You might be able to lube it with a grease gun and needle tip.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

In his description he stated that it was coming from the front of the car. I vote lower ball joints, and/or guide rods.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

Mine was the guide rod mounts ,grease will only mask the problem. The noise comes from excessive movement which means replacement.

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'83 240D 264k on 100% biodiesel/ 31mpg
83 300D 217K the $800 gem
'82 300D 267K the new WVO project car finished and driving for free
International tractor B275 on B100
Ford 555 backhoe on B100
Sargent 25 ton Rough Terrain crane on B50