Hi Guys

I'm trying to fix a front end rattle and new to me 1992 124 E200 (Euro).

I have replaced the centre link (ball joint shot) and tightened the front bearings and steering box. I pushed and pulled all other components and everything seems tight. I cannot reproduce a rattle from the front by kicking, shaking the wheels but it still feels loose going over those cobble stones like bumps. The work I did above have removed at least 90% of the problem but what am I missing? Could it be
a) Ball joints
b) Roll bar bushings
c) Idler or steering box
d) LCA bushing (rubber looks new)

Thanks
Oreo

It's the lower control arm bushings. You won't be able to synthesize it by any means other than driving over a bump. The elastomer breaks down inside (where it is captive to the control arm).

Although it will slowly get worse over time, the noise will drive you crazy long before you start to feel it in the steering wheel. I'd get it fixed earlier rather than later, though. Too many things are moving farther than they should when this bushing clunks.

__________________
2003 AMG S55
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/3414/...5813f01a_s.jpg

Could be loose brake rotor. Could be bad/missing sway bar bushing.

Hi Guys

Thanks for the thoughts
czwbkx - It might be a strong possibility but the rubber really looks so new like it was done very recently. What you're suggesting is nothing short of a full front end rebuild - something I was dreading but if its got to done, its got to be done. I checked the archives on the question of the little nibs on the LCA bushes and its purpose but there were no conclusive answers - either indicates the hardness of the rubber or the way the bushes are supposed to be installed. Can anyone shed some light on this?

deanyel - It might be sway bar bushing as these look a little old - it will be changed. I doubt its the rotors as they clamp down with the wheel bolts.

Any thoughts on the shock upper rubber bushes? Are these part of a front end rebuild?

Oreo

I would take a look at all the rubber bushings in the front suspension, including the sway bar, control arm, and upper strut mounts. Look for cracks, gaps, etc. The sway bar bushings will definitely clunk when worn, as will the upper strut mounts (I've had both replaced).

Hi anthonyb

Thanks for the tip on the strut mounts. Coming from a former 123 I never even knew they existed. Did some research on that and it does seem very high on the list of possibilities. Its the same complaint - rattle over washboard surface....

The 124 suspension looks easier to do than a 123...right?

Oreo