Get this disturbing clunk in the front end at low speeds when going over bumps. Stab bushings OK, Struts solid, bearings tight. Seems to come from both sides equally. ??Ball joints..They do not seem loose, but I really can't give them a good wringing like a bumpy road. 178,784 miles on them. Think I should just replace or What??

Well, park the car and have somebody "push" the car up and down while you are close by, looking for the noise...

Nope, only hear it at low to moderate speed while going over bumpy stuff.

Jeff,

What about control arm bushings? That'll knock at low speed on moderate bumps.

Hi Jeff, we talked before. I have the same problem but haven't solved the problem yet but I can tell you I changed both struts, right side tie-rod and steering return shock. Hope you attack some other area. If you get lucky and find the problem, please let me know

chupr98

I went through this, even had two techs, and the service writer drive the car, couldn't hear it or fix it. Then the service manager drove it and suggested hearing tests for his employees. Turned out to be a VERY slight twist on the tab that holds the sway bar brackets to the frame. Someone on this forum suggested it might be this, but I looked at it and couldn't see the problem. It sure fixed it, though.

I had a similar problem on my 87 300E, the noise only occured while traveling at low speeds while going over bumps and/or turning while going over an incline or decline. It took a long time to figure out what the problem was, but it was the front brake caliper brackets. These were worn causing the posts which run through the caliper to slide, causing the groaning and bumping noises. After replacement, problem solved! Hope this helps.

Had the same problem in my old 88 300E with 200K miles. The problem was the arm ( I think it's the idler arm that connects the steering rack to the tie rods). and all was well after that.
Let us all know.
Joel

I had a clunking sound in the front of my '80 300SD. I finally noticed it never did it when braking. That was the clue. It was a loose brake caliper and easy to fix.

P E H

Thanks guys, guess what??? Ball joints both sides. Was able to finally get her up in the air. Took the load off the joints and presto. El movo grande!!. Will be replaced el soono pronto. Thanks again and BTW I hope you all get a new S500 each for Christmas.