129 Shock Mount Questions-Knock when turning
 

'99 SL500, 53,000mi.

A knocking sound has developed recently when, for instance, backing out of a parking space and turning the wheel left or right. Same knocking sound is present also going forward...left or right turns. It's definitely coming from the front of the car, but I don't 'feel' it in the steering wheel. The under car steering elements appear to be tight with no evident slop in tie rods, center link, etc. and no fluid leak from the struts.

When checking the upper strut mounts while the car was standing still, I noticed they move, or rock, but I can't duplicate the knocking sound as when the car is moving; then I can duplicate it at will.

First question,
o are the upper mounts supposed to 'rock' as the wheels turn?

o if the answer to the above is either yes or no, is there an adjustment available to put the mount back in spec, and of course, what's the spec?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bob

I looked at your shock mounts at Fastlane and the ones for a car without self-leveling look pretty much like the ones on my 1991 300CE that I changed recently. They bolt(3) solidly to the frame of the car.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

glenmore,
Thanks for the starting point. I'll check torque on the mounts on both sides today.

Bob

how did you replace the strut mount? from the top?

Juan,

They are done from below. If your shocks are worn, then not too difficult (to compress the shock from that akward position), but if your shocks are relatively new, then get ready for a workout! As mentioned in the other thread, a helper comes in handy.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

That's why I have a college student living at home. Thanks