New, very sporadic noise from front of w124 - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #16 09-23-2013, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

I replaced the brake pads and no change (figured that was unlikely the source, but they looked pretty sorry so it was time for a swap anyway).
I played around with ball joint testing for quite a while last night and still don't think I'm doing it right. It was hard to lever the wheel in the way the video showed because the bottom of the pry bar wouldn't hold at that angle just slip across the floor ... I put it more under the wheel and I think created a similar action. Could not see any movement in the ball joint or noises. If my indy has time, maybe I could take it in to him and have him look, since I'm not sure if I'm doing it right.
Also, I noticed a very loud noise when turning the steering with both wheels off the ground. Just from this side. It is slightly different pitch from the noise I get while driving, but maybe the same source. I tried to locate it specifically using a auto stethoscope, and it sounds like it's coming from the shock. But I'm not sure because I realize sound could be carrying up the shock. When I put the stethoscope probe right on the ball joint or tie rod end, it's not any louder. Very loud when I put it on the shaft of the shock.
Here's a video: 87 300D steering/suspension noise - YouTube
This particular noise is not present with the wheels on the ground.

wow... not sure what that sound is, but I'd get a jack under each lca and get the load off the ball joint and see if it's still there.

winmutt · #17 09-24-2013, 12:07 AM

Totally the balljoints. Whats name brand on the ones there?

BodhiBenz1987 · #18 09-24-2013, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

Totally the balljoints. Whats name brand on the ones there?

Mercedes-Benz. My indy put them in as part of complete front-end rebuild 10 years ago ... his shop uses dealer parts. I will use factory when I replace them too ... I don't mind the extra cost when it comes to suspension parts.
I'll try putting a scissor jack under the LCA. I have a couple days off work so I'll put it back on jackstands and try a few things. The sound is only from one side, by the way. Not that that makes any difference when it's time to replace things, since I'd replace on both sides anyway.
I'm tempted to just do a front-end rebuild regardless of what's wrong. But for one I want to know exactly what's making that noise, out of curiosity. And two, I have a mortal, possibly insurmountable fear of the front springs.

vstech · #19 09-24-2013, 08:04 AM

don't fear the springs. RESPECT them.
be sure to rent or buy a quality spring compressor prior to removing anything.
once you get the load off the ball joint with the scissor jack, wiggle the spindle and see if there is any play. if that sound is from the ball joint, I'd not drive...
be sure and check the tool rental thread for the spring compressor... I rent my sets out often!

TimFreeh · #20 09-24-2013, 08:06 AM

I've heard that sound many times before on a w124.......

Ball joint for sure.

You can confirm by using a needle filled with 90w oil, use the needle to puncture the rubber boot and inject a half ounce of of oil. The noise will instantly disappear.

Zulfiqar · #21 09-24-2013, 11:55 AM

That sound is the ball joints, the ball is skidding in the socket, I would not drive the car unless I change them. The W124 joints are under pulling force. They can separate.

here is my homebrew tool - easy to work

click

BodhiBenz1987 · #22 09-24-2013, 01:25 PM

Thanks guys. I won't drive it until my Indy can see it.

guess it will be a good time to give the 240D some love.

winmutt · #23 09-24-2013, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

They can separate.

Not if the car is on the ground.

Zulfiqar · #24 09-24-2013, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

Not if the car is on the ground.

The joint can and does break apart no matter if the car is hanging or on the wheels. It has happened to a number of people across the world.

BodhiBenz1987 · #25 10-24-2013, 08:01 PM

Couple of updates. Thought I'd already posted one a while ago but I guess I didn't. I finally got around to replacing the front torsion bar mounts last night. Not ready to celebrate yet as it could just be coincidence, but I'm no longer getting the pronounced pop/clunk around turns or in/out of parking spaces. I did some figure-eights in the back lot on my break at work and got nice and quiet response. I did catch a couple faint pops going in and out of a parking spot, much quieter than before but enough that I can't declare full victory.

I'll drive it more but it seems the mounts seemed to have something to do with the noise. Unless fiddling around under there just happened to shift whatever else was the problem, in which case it will rematerialize.
I did take it to my indy a couple weeks ago for safety-check purposes and had him drive and listen, put it up on a lift and pry around. He checked the ball joints and they had no play. The creaking noise in the video was from the shock mount. It didn't make the creak with it unbolted ... he tried to shift it around but once tightened down it made it again. He did not think it was a problem. He said it was not the same sound we heard while driving. He was unsure about that one, thought it could be a spring even though they looked OK visually.
Fingers crossed the swaybar mounts did it. The swaybar itself looks worn under the mounts. Even the new outside mounts were loose, but better than the old ones. Still seems to have made a marked difference with the noises.