The car for some time has had a poor handling feel, seemingly wandering all over the road. (It is a 1995 E320 w/82k) There is no play in the wheels (front) up / down and side-side, so it is hard to figure out what the problem is. We changed the sway bar bushings, no improvement. The car had Michelin Pilot Primacy tires on it, now has Nokian Hakkapelita. (Like new) The car also recieved 4-wheel alignment. We have lived with the sloppy handling.

Then it started making intermittent high-pitched squeaking, grinding, clunking noises, although the car did not feel any different. We stopped using it, and the pass front coil spring is no longer setting in its seat!

How does this happen? Nothing appears to be broken, but I can't really tell.

Anyone had this happen? Is it possible for the spring to unseat UNLESS it is broken?

Thanks in advance.

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro