What is squeaking on my car?
 

(Edited now with new question since Shertex probably gave the correct answer that it's the ball joints. What's the best brand of ball joints to get? Advance Auto carries Moog).

For the first time ever, my car has been squeaking lately. When I turn the steering wheel, or go over a bump, or if the car is just sitting in the driveway and I push it up or down, there's a squeak. Lucky for me, when I was coming home last night it was getting worse just in the last mile or so where the speed limit is 25 mph. Especially when I was coasting to a stop, the car was limping, as though one tire were out of round (even though they're not), causing the car to go up/down slightly.

Is that necessarily the shocks or could it be other parts that move like sway bar or tie rods, etc.? I replaced the shocks about 8 years and 80,000 miles ago with Bilsteins. I doubt they'd wear out at just 8 years.

1991 300d 224k

From your description most likely candidate is ball joints.

Get a piece of Broomstick and put one end on the suspected part and the other at your ear or use a mechanics stethoscope. Have someone else do the pushing up and down on the fender. You will soon hear where the noise is coming from.

Shertex probably gave correct answer
 

After watching this video, this is exactly what my car sounds like....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfvIY9InKSA

If that's the case, what are the best brand of ball joints to get? Advanced carries Moog brand.

If there is no wear when testing. A syringe with a larger needle and grease might be injected into the boot of the identified one. Heating the grease up will make it flow easier.


After a day or so if the squeak is gone. Recheck the ball joint for tightness. If all is well take some laquer thinner and clean off the injection point. A dab of silicone then will reseal the boot.


Remember to take the spring load off the ball joints before testing them for wear. Catching things early sometimes you can save them. Sometimes not.

Are the ball joints on a W124 a royal pain in the ass to change out? If not, I think I would just go ahead and replace them. Looking on Rock Auto, they have a plethora of them ranging from $2 to $22 each. Your call. I am all for repairing things rather then replacing, but in this case, I think I would replace if it is not a huge undertaking with this particular model.

A factor in some things I do. Is the pathetic quality of some replacement parts. If the original quality is available I tend to go for it.


Especially on front end parts. Parts built to sell rather than to have much serviceability or quality are very common today.

Lemforder would be a good choice. Kind of thing you might want to get from FCP Euro because of free lifetime replacement.

I agree with both Barry and Shertex

Lemforder Ball Joints are made in Germany and reasonably priced.

I have had good luck with Moog. repackaged Lemforder and Corteco typically. Depends on the part.


I would spray the suspension springs with silicone before doing any work. Its often just the springs rubbing against the rubber cushions on the body side.

If the sound stops... you've found your culprit... but if not, then the other messages are correct.