The front passenger side on my 2002 E430 4MATIC (85k) makes a pretty pronounced clunking noise when going over some bumps in the 20+ mph range.

It seems like the 2 most probably causes are:
1. LCA bushing
2. front sway bar bushing

Is there a good way to determine which it would be? I did a brief visual inspection, but I'm not too sure what I'm looking for.

I tried bouncing the front end up and down in the garage, but I can't hear any noises.

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

You could disconnect the sway bar for a test drive.

At shop we use electronic "ears" to check for noises.

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Bushings will only cause a "clunk" type noise if they're completely destroyed.
In my experience, the two most common causes for F/E noise in the 210 are worn lower ball joints and sway-bar links. We do a few every week.

Thanks for the tips - I'll take the wheel off and have a closer inspection of the rubber components, the sway bar links, and the tie rod ends....once the weather warms a bit in WI

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Possibly a loose or worn strut mount?

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1990 190E 3.0L

A visual inspection of the sway-bar links probably won't tell you much. Like Doc' says, the easiest way to diagnose sway-bar links is to unbolt them from the control arm and see if the noise goes away. It's simple, quick, and conclusive. Good luck.

You need new ball joints most likely.
Steve

when it comes to your front end,it can be almost anything,when you factor in the mojoy components,the most likley to cause an issue can be manually inspected,such as the ball joints,have you used a floor jack to lift up the lower control arm so the suspension sits in a loaded condition,then used a large pry bar and placed it under the tire then lifted up hard,see if you have any up and down movement you shouldnt,also with the lower control lifted have you inspected for a worn tie rod end? the sway bar end links could be a possible cause,but you will been to inspect that the bolt and all bushings are not worn out,i would also point out the bushings that hold the lower control arm to the body,they also may wear out if you were involved in a front end collisionor hit a bad pothole.your center link ball joint ends may be popping up and down in there sockets causing the noise.you really need to make a list and check each item then mark them off as you go.but i would most likley lean on the needing new ball joints idea.goodluck i hope you diagnose the saftey related issue.

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