'82 300 TD - Creaking front end question
 

Hey folks, I have a strange creaking sound accompanied by stiff jerky steering on my ole' Benz. The weird thing is that if I am driving around in the rain the problem goes away which makes me think it's some kind of lubrication issue. Anyway, here is a list of parts that have been replaced over the past couple years to help narrow down where the problem could be coming from.

Replaced Left Outer Tie Rod - 3/2010
Replaced Right and Center Tie Rod Assembly - 5/2010
Replaced Right Upper Control Arm and Bushing - 7/2011

Do I just need to get under there and lube the heck out of all the joints?

Thanks.

The SD suffered from worn idler arm bushings for years with the identical "creak" that you describe.

There's a replacement kit to put new bushings and a new bolt in place.

I believe the 123 is similar.

My '85 is doing a version of that, mine is the control arm bushing on the driver side. I did the entire steering assembly, now I need to do the suspension. But I also think that the spring is making some of the creaking that I hear, like it's moving in its perch somehow, just enough to make a bit of noise. Of course, this is after fixing the seat base that is out right now:)

I had a similar creak on my W123. So I replaced the Upper Control Arms and all rubber parts. The creak went away, but it has returned now about 3 months later. I attribute it to not very high quality UCA bushings.

I just had the upper control arms done and the creaking is still there, it was when I drove it out of the shop. They came from Phil (everybody here knows Phil right?) and are in perfect shape, with no play.

Subscribing to thread.

is the creaking just when you are turning the wheel, or during bumps and such? steering squeaks can be difficult to track down. you could squirt each component with a oil can one at a time, go drive. repeat.

I get mine while turning and while doing bumps.

There is a note in the FSM regarding noise complaints and the idler bearing. #2 in post 2 here: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/280858-idler-arm-repair-kit-order.html

As described above, the specific location and character of the noise is important to troubleshooting. A groan, a squeak, a squeal, etc; behind the glove box, at the driver's feet; over bumps, when turning...

When trying to locate hard to find rattles or noises, I found it useful to have someone else drive while you listen from the passenger seat or the rear seat. That way you can move around and you're not worrying about traffic or running into anything while turning your head sideways.