My dad is experiencing "popping noises" from his 99 ML430 at low speeds and only in certain situations (like a turn while crossing a raised surface, like edge of driveway). He doesn't think it is suspension, but who knows?

Had the ML to the dealership the other day - they replaced the rear cargo door latch with a 2001 model (beefier), but noise still occurs. The technician with the "best ears" is on vacation; will return the ML for his examination when he returns...

In the meantime has anyone observed/repaired/experienced a similar problem? Could it be in body panel fittings, door jambs, etc.? Just trying to help....

Thanks.

(1999 ML430...12,000 miles)

There has been a variety of suspension related issues with the ’98 and ’99 ML’s. From what I’ve heard these are more squeaks than pops. My MB dealer has a sound testing tool where they put sensors all over the vehicle and use these to pinpoint the location of the noise, then do a visual inspection from there. This, I am told is a new tool in the arsenal, and I’d guess that not all dealers have it. Find one that does and you will be more than half way there. Also, check on Edmunds http://townhall-talk2.edmunds.com/WebX?50@8.k8a8akOWc71^1@.ee95173 for other folks with MLs.

Regards

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

I too have this poping or clunking noise at front on my 99 C230 Kompressor especially when I do a shart turn and brake hard. Sometimes i can hear it when i am cruising 5-10 miles/hr and it gets louder when the car ha been driven for a while. please let me know what the solution is my E-mail is mat@wwu.edu. Dear has no clue at all.

As lebenz has stated there are a few up-dates to the suspension system on the MLs. Of course a lot depends on the chassis number. LOCAL dealer should have REcall info & modification info as well!

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Thanks for your replies and info....I will update after the ML makes its next visit to the dealer for diagnosis.

you might want to read this link Is it normal for rattling interior trims?

ML still hasn't been back to dealer...maybe next week.

I drove the truck today and heard the sound - a significant pop or crack occuring at low speed in some sort of a turn (backing out of parking space, for example). To my untrained ear, it sounds like it is originating somewhere in the B-pillar on the driver's side. Could be interior plastic trim flexing, I dunno...Sound familiar to anyone???

It seems that it is the lower control arms slot! That is they put it down on the paper. I called MBUSA and the technician did something before guys came from Sanfrancsco. The technician didn't replace anything though and that is something i am worried about. plese keep me post it!

Think (hope) the mysterious popping sound has been corrected.....

Dealer went from bottom of truck to the top: Checked/tightened all suspension bolts, but road test still produced sound in certain turn/incline situations. Then removed portion of interior trim and discovered loose left roof rail (part of sunroof assembly). Tightened that and, so far, no more pops.

I has this exact same problem and my 1999 ML320 was in the shop several time for this problem.. I lucked out! It had sounded to me like it was a slight "shifting" in metal-on-metal under pressure. It was originating under the ML somewhere... I suspected the seat points for the torsion-beams for the front suspension.. It is FIXED NOW!!! 100% okay...

The fix... I loosened the tension on the torsion-beams (while carefully counting the number of turns) until they were loose and moved around with ease. The dealer had changed a spacer where the torsion-beam arm contacts the frame, but they had neglected the other side.. There is a metal, silver-colored "saddle" at the inboard side of this torsion-beam arm. While loose, I removed this "saddle" and cleaned the sand and durt out. Then I wrapped this part with 4 rounds of electrical tape before re-assembly.. That was it.. No special tools... Just some mechanical inclination and a little luck..

I hope this helps you guys...

I would have described it as a Pop, Creek, squeek or "itch" sound... It was very difficult to describe and not very consistent, until it progressively got worse...

It is gone now... Yeeha!