I have had this car about 4 years, and rebuilt the front suspension about 3 years ago (ball joints, tie rods, steering stabilizer, guide rod mounts, idler arm bushings, etc) and it had been fine for a long time, but now there is a loud clunk/pop sound coming from the left front anytime you accelerate, turn or brake. I have done the best I can to figure out what it is, and I determined it is most likely coming fron the output shaft on the steering box. But, I have replaced the steering box twice and it didn't change the sound either time (and checked everything else the best I can as well). I don't think I can get any farther with tracking down the problem by myself, but if there is anyone who thinks they could help I would be happy to bring the car to you if its within 180 miles or so of vacaville.

Did you replace the rag joint?

Sounds almost like the guide rod bushing as well.

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1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

I did not, but it seems like that would likely not have an effect if you can jack the car up and move the wheels side to side by holding the tire and have it make the same noise? I could be wrong though, I can change it if its likely to cause that type of problem.

....it's the guide rod joint. ROYAL PITA to change too.

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Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)

Guide rod mounts are only about 3 years old though, is it likely they failed that fast?

Do you remember what brand you used? Inexpensive aftermarket suspension parts can be of dubious quality. Some have reported getting much less than 3 years on a knock-off guide rod joint. Some make noise immediately after install.

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1979 300D 040 Black on Black - 1985 300D Maaco job (sadly sprayed over 199 Black Pearl Metallic) on Palamino

http://i.imgur.com/LslW733.jpg

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If it is the guide rod mounts, be sure to buy good quality parts. the assembly of front end parts sold on e-bay can and most likely is made up of inferior parts sold at a killer deal.

Pelican sells Lemfoerder which is a good brand that holds up well. or go to the Dealer.


If this mount is bad, you can hear the creaking, thumping in the floor.


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

What he said.

I got 14 months out of a cheap set on my old w126. Beware.

PM-ing you.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

I used febi ones before, but I actually have a set of new lemforder ones in the box still that I had been meaning to put in, just because I decided I didn't trust the ones on the car anymore

3 years from Febi parts these days seems to be pretty good.

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1979 300D 040 Black on Black - 1985 300D Maaco job (sadly sprayed over 199 Black Pearl Metallic) on Palamino

http://i.imgur.com/LslW733.jpg

The Baja Arizona Oil Burners Send a message if you'd like to join the fun
Left to Right - UberWasser, Iridium, Stuttgart-->Seattle,, mannys9130

Visit the W123 page on iFixit for over 70 helpful DIY guides!

The country of manufacture should be stamped on the Febi part, if it's still visible. It would be interesting, as follow up, if you install the Lemfoerders to know where the Febi mounts were manufactured.