W124 steering has squeaking noise
 

My 1991 W124 has suddenly developed a loud sqeaking sound (not squealing)when I turn the steering wheel. The noise appears to be coming from the front end of the vehicle, rather than inside the cabin. Can any offer any advice on what the problem can be? Or offer suggestions on what else I can do to confirm the source of the noise.

I checked the steering fuild level and it looks OK.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Ball joint on the lower control arm.

Should be obvious which side if you listen outside the car.

Change PRONTO, they can fail with the result the control arm hits the ground and the wheel kicks out sideways. Not fun.

Peter

wow. I have just developed the same noise, when I turn right. Mine sounds more like a bottle rocket being shot off in the distance, though (really, it does). At first I thought it was just an atypical brake squeal. Good thing this was posted, will change right away.

bringing back this old thread. I never changed the ball joints because I read in another post that they can be left in long after the squeaking begins. I also did I visual inspection and they seemed pretty good. However, now the steering wheel frequently (but not always) shakes when driving at about 50+ mph, especially when accelerating. I was wondering if this was another possible symptom of bad ball joints, in which case I would definitely change them.

Problem is fixed
 

I forgot to update the thread, but I took PSFRED's advice and changed the ball joints and the noise is gone. At the same time I had the mechanic change the sway bar bushings and I think the MB drives a lot tighter.

Thank you for the advice.

I figured I would bring back this old thread because I have not yet changed the lower ball joints. I am beginning to get a humming noise when driving, particularly when deccelerating, which seems to be worse when I turn right. Is this further indication of a bad ball joint or joints?

I am probably getting them changed by an indy. What is a fair price for replacing both of the joints? 1991MB300e: How much did you pay for the replacement of both ball joints and sway bar bushings, if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks for your time.

wow, the forum sure is busy lately. That's the quickest I've ever seen one of my posts get pushed to the second page.

Hi Dirtysocks, the repair cost me about $300 but I am in Canada, so you may get it a lot cheaper in the USA. It took about 2 hour labor. I strongly recommend changing the sway bar bushings, as it creates a bunch of noice if negleted.