Guys,

A few months ago, my car started to make noise in the front driver's side. It sounds as if it's coming from the suspension. The noise is close to a clunking sound, everytime I drive over a small bump in the road going at least 15 MPH. It sounds as if something is really loose inside.

My question is, does anybody know what this sound is? It's getting quite annoying, since I live in an area where potholes are as common as 7-elevens. Any leads would be greatly appreciated. The suspension on my car has never been changed before.


'85 190E 2.3 w/ 250k miles
vu

This is going to sound crazy but just for starters make sure your lugs are tight. I know, I know, I'm sure yours are but mine weren't. Same sort of thing. Just an idea.

My experience with clunking noises is to raise the car up on jack stands and check for loose ball joints and suspension components (idler arms, tie rod ends, etc.)

By rocking the tires at the 12:00 and 6:00 position there should not be any movement. Any movememt would indicate worn ball joints.

By rocking the tires at 9:00 and 3:00 poition would check the condition of the tie rod ends.

With the car on the ground bounce the car up and down to check the condition of the springs/shocks. You can check both front sides of the car and observe any noise from either side. If you notice a noise from only one side, then raise the car up on jack stands with the front wheels off and inspect the condition of the springs/shocks.

Rjnonnie,

Thanks for the helpful hints. I will make those checks as soon as I get a chance to. How much would the ball joint and the tie rods cost to replace, if this was the culprit?

I was wondering, what's the normal amount of time that a stock suspension will last on a benz? My car is 16 years old.



vu

vutown,

My experience with suspension work has been mainly with my 88 Accord (151K miles). The suspension started to go at 150K miles which when I checked into pricing from a local parts store below is what I was quoted:
Front springs: $35/pair
Front struts: $140/pair
Outer tie rod end: $15/each

You can check Parts Shop out from this website If you want to check into pricing of parts for you car.

I kow I'll get shyte for this...
 

but for $20 a piece I got Monroe-matic shocks for the rear at Autozone and didn't spend the big bucks for Bilsteins. I had a clucking noise in the rear which was just one fully drained shock. Obviously, I replaced the pair and the noise was gone. Even on Fastlane, the Bilsteins were $80+ each, so I saved over $120; my 190E isn't mint and it isn't my primary driving car, so I'm happy with the Monroe's.

I have used Fastlane in the past and am very happy with both the prices and the speed of delivery.

Still working on that pesky sunroof!

Guys,

I found out that my strut mount was bad only one one side. I took it to the local shop, and he recommended me to also change my shocks. My car is about 16 years old. Should I also change the shocks? I'll be buying the parts from FastLane, so he won't really benefit anything from this. If so, which brand should I go with? I was thinking about Bilsteins. Any advice? Thanks again!


Vu

Thanks rjnonnie! I have a 93 190e that is making a 'squishing noise' in the front end when I go over a bump. I'm suspecting sway arm bushings - not that I don't trust my mechanic - but front ends can be big $$$ repairs and I like to have an idea about what might be wrong before I go in.

Great tip.

Vu,

I have a 85 190E2.3 too (with 127K though - its good to know that yours has lasted 250!) - makes the exact same noise when going over bumps, front driver side. The noise is more pronounced on colder days. Showed it to a guy, he told me to get the front "driver" side idler arm, tie rod, etc. and ball joint replaced, and wanted me to make him richer by $1000, without guaranting that the noise will go away. Well, I have moved to another tech obviously.

My reading of the situation leads me to suspect the front swaybar bushings. When the car was jacked up, I saw the front driver side swaybar bushings kind of squished. Get those checked. I am going to get them replaced on my next service.

If I were to get Bilsteins, I'd get them from Fastlane. But, if I decided for whatever reason, not to get Bilsteins, I'd get Monroes or whatever from Pep Boys, AutoZone, etc. They should have a lifetime warranty. I've taken back numerous shocks and struts for free exchanges. I don't mind the work and the price is right. Same goes for brake pads.