Gents,

I've posted on this before(123 complete new front end, still cluck/groan)

but cannot figure this out. When steering sometimes right or left my steering makes a pop sound. cannot tell where its coming from.

I have checked tightness on everything, tie rods, center link, drag link, idler arm bolt, and I have a newer good steering box in now too. What could/would cause this? its a pretty noticeable pop. (all of the steering components are new also btw). Anything I should have looked for when checking? I know tie rods move around naturally. Should center drag link be firm in place or also move? I jacked the car up and you can turn the wheel either way and no noise is present but also no load is on the system)


In addition I still have another occasional clunk/pop/shifting sensation in the suspension that seems separate from the steering issue. I've ordered a new transmission mount to eliminate that from the equation as it has failed(collapsed).

Usually the noise happens when coming to a stop going down hill. Lower guide rod mounts are new Mercedes so I really doubt its them but the noise seems to be in the lower area near them.

Sorry for the long post. I'm about to take it to a real mechanic but really cant afford a massive bill with a baby on the way.. .

Any help or pointers on where to look appreciated

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1978 300D

Yeah it sucks right? I know my cars didn’t make funny sounds like this when they were new. The 126 has a groan/clunk/pop in the front usually when I turn sharply into a parking space or go slowly over a big bump. The 123 has a sound like a marble rolling across the fuel tank.

I’m done throwing parts at these noises. I just drive the cars now. I’ve got all new parts except subframe mounts on both cars. I’m done. Still makes noise. Sounds either like a sticking shock rod or a spring pad. I did use Meyle spring pads so I may be paying for my penny pinching on this one.

I spray the spring pads with silicone and the noise often goes away. Kind of like the rattle on the w126 back door frames. But it comes back eventually. As long as I don’t get stuck or have the steering bind up or the suspension fail catastrophically I guess I’m good to go.

I know not what you wanted to hear. I wish somebody could tell me the silver bullet but alas it is time to drive and enjoy my cars. I’ve given up on that one.

Congratulations on the new baby. I miss those days. Time to take my teens down to the beach in my 300d. Happy New Year.

Hey if you want a tip, don’t take the car to a mechanic and pay a big bill. If the car is safe, drive it. Save the money for your kid. Focus on your family for now.

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79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles

Definitely, what ykobayashi said, x's 10!! These "cars" will always be here, waiting for attention. Your family is THE most important thing. It won't always be here, waiting.
Savor the time you have with loved ones. It goes by very fast. Enjoy the creation of lasting memories and being "in the moment"
Best of luck to you and a happy, prosperous 2020!!

Hard enough to diagnose a clunking sound over the phone. Could be anything. Maybe you put the tie rods in upside down? They are tapered and only go in one way. If you were near my shop in SoCal I would tell you drive it in.

And center drag link does not move between its two ball joints. I have seen cheapo chinese brand drag links with broken spot welds come in the shop. with tires off the ground, make sure your drag link has all the metal intact and is one solid piece. Not sure if that will cause your problem but something to at least check

First, Congratulations on your new tax credit! Mine are now 17, 15 and 12. I miss the days I could put them in one spot and they'd be there when I got back.


ykobayashi is on point. I cure one noise, another pops up. My '02 Golf has a rattle in the dash that makes me apoplectic... my 300d has a new clunk when starting from a dead stop IN THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR!

My former w123 300d had a pop/clunk when applying the brakes. I replaced the brake supports (that bolt to the firewall)... still clunked. My indy went over it and couldn't find anything of concern.

I decided a while back that I'm just going to focus on noises that indicate safety issues. #drivemoreworryless


If you ever take your front seats out, look in the crossmember under the seat (it's hollow and has an opening at one end). I had a very similar noise in my W123. I took the seat out to give it the "pool noodle" treatment and found a cat's eye marble INSIDE that crossmember.

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1991 300D 2.5 "Rocinante"
2002 Golf TDI "Teen Spirit"
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1984 300D
1966 Mustang I6 3sp
1985 Mazda RX-7 GSLSE
1982 Toyota Supra
1977 Datsun 280z
1971 Datsun 240z

Guys thanks for getting back with some replies! I know this is dumb post and isn't something more up everyone's ally like retiming the IP or some other advanced topic

I definitely am going to be enjoying the time with my new child but since ill be taking her eventually to day care in my benz I wanted it to be rock solid!

I've been checking each bolt for tightness underneath a couple at a time and driving it.

ordered a new transmission mount as mine is collapsed( went with new MB, expensive even at my cost) so hopefully that solves one. I am 99.99% everything is installed correctly. will check for play again on drag link etc.

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1978 300D

hahah I almost feel this way just because all of the suspension is new and the car drives so well this noise shouldn't be happening after all $$$ that's gone into it

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1978 300D

I have the same thing. Totally new front end, still get a pop with heavy turns. I think it's either the upper control arm or the guide rod mount. Both are new. I've had 2 shops (one a MB expert and the other a suspension expert) and neither were able to definitively diagnose it.

It's frustrating but I try not to let it bother me too much. The ride quality is very good and handling is as good as one can expect from a W123 on original design suspension.