'87 190D Struts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ProudAg04 · #1 04-11-2006, 11:37 PM

I am experiencing a loud squeaking sound coming from the front suspension and after trying to trace it to the source, I have come to the conclusion that it is the strut. It is loud and it makes the noise whenever the suspension moves up/down and also when I turn the wheel.

I noticed not long before this started that there was a rubber boot around the top of the strut that was rotted and fell off so I would guess that it had something to do with the problem that I am experiencing. Unless anybody has any idea what else might be causing this, I'll be replacing the strut(s) soon.

My question is this: is it a good idea to go ahead and replace both struts at the same time? Are there negative consequences to this if I don't? Thanks in advance.

haasman · #2 04-12-2006, 03:15 AM

At the top of the struts are rubber strut mounts. These isolate the top of the suspension (shock) from the body. They decay after a while (most likely the black soot you are seeing)

This site sells them: Strut Mounts at a pretty good price.

The sound could also be coming from bad front lower ball joints. Often rust dust is evident around the intersection of the strut and lower A-arm (ball joint) and broken rubber dust boot.

It is best to change all of the shocks at once for an even pleasing ride. Next best are pairs (the fronts or the rears). You can of course change just one strut but you will most likely noticed the difference if the unchanged strut is old.

Keep us posted,

Haas

ProudAg04 · #3 04-13-2006, 03:12 PM

I checked the strut mounts and they appeared to be in good shape. I'll have to get under it and check lower ball joints. It's hard to tell for sure, but I think the sound is is coming from down around that area. Is it likely that the joint will have to be replaced if this turns out to be the problem??

haasman · #4 04-14-2006, 02:47 AM

Regarding the strut mounts (which sounds like with your car, doesn't apply) I should of added that the strut mounts can be deceptive in that even though the top surface shows maybe just a little cracking, underneath they can be trashed.

The real way is to view them from underneath where the shock top connects. In the long-gone 87 190e 2.3 this was the case. Tops looked generally fine, but one day I started to get an awful clunking on low speed turns. I changed them (they were trashed) and the result was wonderful. More solid feeling front end and the front end ride compliance was greatly improved.

I beleive you model you can replace the ball joints without having to replace the whole lower A-arm. If you haven't done something like this before, read up on it or have someone who knows how to do it, do it.

Often when replacing the ball joint, it is easy to remove the A-arm (after carefully compressing/securing the front coil spring). If you go this route, consider buying the complete A-arm and you get the A-arm bushings with it.

Haasman