'99 E320 Suspension noise???
 

Just wondering if anyone here has had the same issue I am currently experiencing. On the '99 E320 sedan (not 4matic), with 126,000mi., I have a noise from the front suspension. I took it to the MB dealer to have the balljoints replaced, it didn't fix the noise. Took it back, they say nothing seems to need replaced. It happens whenever I'm going over small bumps in a parking lot, most recently, it is getting worse. I have used the same tech for years and trust he sincerely can't see an issue, but we have duplicated the noise over and over. Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!!

What sort of noise? Squeaking? Groaning? Clunking? Slapping? Snapping? Can you produce the noise by pushing down on the front fenders? With nothing more to go on, I'd be thinking struts.

Check both the bolts that hold the lower control arm to the frame of the car. My car was doing the same thing, we replaced the coil spring perch thinking it was that. We finally found that one of the bolts for the control arm wasn't tight, just simply tightening it up fixed the problem. It was making a squeaking noise going over a bump or when you hit the brakes hard. Very similar to the sound of a bad lower ball joint.

Check your steering rack - mine is doing it too. Sounds almost like a bad ball joint, but isn't. With both front wheels sitting on ramps, have someone gently wiggle the steering wheel back and forth, then put your hand on the rack right by the input shaft. If it's your rack, you'll know right away because you'll "feel" it. It's only apparent if you move the steering wheel ever so slightly, maybe just a half inch back and forth, enough to wiggle the pinion gear. I can't think of a better way to describe it. I discovered this while inspecting the tie rods, ball joints, and other suspension parts; my wife was moving the steering wheel. I was stumped because everything was tight, no unusual tire wear, steering was not sloppy, etc. but then I stumbled upon this and was able to duplicate it quite easily.

Mine makes the noise occasionally, but there's not enough lash in the steering wheel to warrant replacing it. When I looked into it, I believe I read somewhere that Mercedes won't replace a rack under warranty until there's about 1 inch of play in the steering wheel??!! I just put up with it as an occasional light clunk when going over very bumpy roads. None of my passengers can even tell. And if I do ever decide to replace the rack, I've priced it, and it's not expensive. About $300 to $400 for a reman, and a few hours on a rainy day...

99% its your sway bar bushings. These are often overlooked because they never appear to be worn. They are cheap, probably less than $50 for the parts. Order the two inner bushings and then the outer "links". It will quiet it right down and make it tight again. Ball joints are common on those, but are simple to replace. Even worn ball joints wont make those noises.

A quick shot of silicone spray on the sway bar bushings will confirm 280AMG's post.

X2, this is the problem that causes noises over small bumps - if your dealer didn't know this shame on them!