My 1994 E320 wagon (properly maintained) with 173,300 miles on it has a creaking sound coming from the rear end area while driving when the rear end flexes or goes over humps (not holes). I have checked obviuos things like a loose spare tire and muffler. Is it a sign of age or does it need lubrication somewhere in that area.

Could be the bushings which locate the rear sway bar to the chassis. Tend to creak when both wheels go over a bump together (thus rotating the bar in the bushings), less so when only one wheel hits a bump. Very simple job, parts cost is five bucks.

Could be the tailgate lock or the seat backrest locks. try a little grease in those areas - it worked for me.

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Mick J
'08 Chrysler 300CRD (MB OM 642 engine)
'95 E220 estate
'89 230TE (R.I.P.)

I had the same problem last week,1994 ,124 wgn, and sprayed all the rear seat pivots and locking and contact points with silicone and it took care of the problem. It was on the the rear seat (2nd seat) on the passenger side.

Yeah, I've had the rear seat problem too. Adjusting the mounting brackets on which the rear seatback pivots took care of the problem. I'd describe the rear seatback noise as more of a metallic squeek, while the bushing problem is more of a groaning noise. One clue on the rear sway bar bushings is they get quiet when driving in wet weather - the water serves to lubricate things.

Thanks to all. I'll check all of the above especially the absence of the groan (creak, really) while it is raining - seems like there are days where the noise is gone. I wonder if it rained those days? The sound seems to come from way back in the car - down low too.

I also went after the "wagon squeaks". I lubed the middle seat back latches, I lubed the rear sway bar mounts and the top of the shocks.

I also replaced the latch mounts (they were missing the rubber isolators) and adjusted them on the covers in the right and left rear (cover for the spare tire and the rear windshield washer reservoir /emergency kit). In addition a bought the round plastic pieces for each cover fingers at the bottom of the cover, that go into the floor.

Additionally I lubed the hinges and the lock plate. The rear is now quiet.

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)