96 C280 clunk when braking in reverse
 

Hi Group,

When the 96 C280 is backing up and the the brakes are applied there is a loud clunk that appears to come from the front passenger side suspension. The problem is worse on a hill when backing up and applying the brakes. This does not happen when braking when going forward. Front lower ball joints, and new rotors, brake pads have been installed on all wheels. I cannot see movement that relates to the clunk and the wheel does not have excessive play.

Many thanks

Martineau

I discovered the same problem (or at least symptom) on my '95 E320. It turns out I bought the wrong brake pads. They are shifting in the caliper. When I backup and then apply the brakes clunk. When I then go forward and on first application of the brakes, clunk.

I have to remove the pads and replace them with the proper ones. I bought them through someone on this site. They were "supposedly the right ones". I'll never do that again.

Take your car back to where you got your work done and tell them you have this problem, and you are suspecting the brake pads are rocking in the calipers.

Jeff

There was a bulletin on this subject back in 1997, the lower control arm bushings was the cause.

(1) My 94 C280 is doing that for quite a while (2 years maybe). Does it do any harm for neglecting it for so long?

(2) I also feel that it is not very smooth while turing the steering wheel at very low driving speed (like turning into a parking space). Is it also the symptom of the lower control arm bushings problem?

(3) M.B.Doc, when you say there is a bulletin in 1997, does that mean it a recall or the dealer will repair it as goodwill?

(4) If not, how much do you think it is to have it fixed?

Thanks.

NOT a recall at all, just a warning to dealers that IF that clunk happens when driving slow & braking to look at the control arm bushings first!!

Unless you complained while the car was under warranty then you are probably out of luck as far as warranty is concerned.