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  #1  
Old 09-20-2012, 03:40 PM
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Remarkably persistent creak

Hello. This is my first post after much lurking and seeking help for my problem.
So...I have a 2000 E 320 4 Matic wagon with a front, passenger side groan/creak that presents over uneven pavement or when turning sharply at slow speeds. After searching multiple MB sites and poking around the underside of my car I can report the following. The front sway bar bushings (inner & outter) have been replaced. (No sway bar "links" on 4 matic). Both upper control arms, both lower ball joints, both LCA bushings (all of them), and both shocks and shock mounting hardware have been replaced. 4 new Michelins and a four wheel alingment to round out the cash hemorrhaging. Parts used were all either Lemfoerder, OEM or Meyle.

It seems the the noise is confined to the front passenger side. My indy tech has been scratching his head as to the origin and reports he took the sway bar off, test drove it and the noise was gone. Of course he reinstalled it and the creak/graon/squeak persists.

I don't think driving the vehicle without front sway bar is a solution, but if it was cracked or bent, (it's wicked heavy-duty) would this explain my problem? Thanks in advance for any insight.

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Old 09-20-2012, 04:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jhska View Post
I don't think driving the vehicle without front sway bar is a solution, but if it was cracked or bent, (it's wicked heavy-duty) would this explain my problem? Thanks in advance for any insight.

Just a thought, not even sure if it is possible on your model car, but some guys would install the stiffer SportLine sway bar for better handling and if this was done maybe it is not a good match with your car.

Found this online and it may help in distinguishing between the two.

"W124 front Sportline Swaybar 124-323-68-65 with Sportline bushings 124-323-45-85 and 124-323-50-85. I just removed it from my 95 E320 wagon with 138k miles and yes, it is definitely a Sportline with the flared 22mm ends.."
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Old 09-20-2012, 04:36 PM
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Thanks for the feedback, Glenmore. I believe the sway bar is stock, as I'm the second owner of this car and I bought it in 2006 with no signs of aftermarket fiddling.
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Old 09-20-2012, 07:44 PM
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Sportline bars are part of a factory option package so they will look stock.

Have a close look at the bar mount to body area. You might have a pulled spot weld causing the sheet metal to flex / oil can or there might even be a crack that flexes when loaded.

Also have a look at the front bumper to frame horn area for previous repairs.

Cracks / pulled spot welds on steel will often show a fine light brown rust from the metal fretting. Fretting is where metal rubs against metal causing it to slowly turn to powder. this fine powder rusts rapidly turning to fine brown rust.

You can also use this to identify two bolted parts that look tight but are really moving around.
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Old 09-20-2012, 08:50 PM
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You might have a pulled spot weld causing the sheet metal to flex / oil can or there might even be a crack that flexes when loaded.


This is interesting. Thanks for clarifying on the Sportline bars being a factory option.

I will look closer at the areas where the bar bolts up and look for possible spot welds that have broke. Out of curiosity, what did you mean by the term "oil can"?
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Old 09-20-2012, 09:42 PM
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Old time oiling cans for machinery have a slight curved bottom. ( the ones that are a 1/2 sphere with a steel spout on top ) The can is inverted and the bottom flexed to pump oil, this flexing is called "oil canning" .
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Old 09-20-2012, 10:00 PM
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Gotcha. I learned something new today.

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