Hi all- -

Was wondering if any 90's W124 owners have experienced some squeaking/ clicking noises originating from their lower passenger side A-pillar while driving over rough roadway (any speed)? Source appears to be passenger A-pillar.

Factory Authorized Service in SF (after observing) ponders/suggests that the source of the squeaking/ clicking is most likely structurally related to A-pillar...."a weld" beneath windshield rubber seating on A-pillar. I've got an appointment on Friday for further diagnosis and correction (pull off interior A- pillar beauty molding and observe more while driving & maybe remove windshield). They have already ruled out the hood, hood hinges, electric related circuits inside dash, & interior plastic.

I, myself, kind of ruled out the front windshield as a culprit today by asking my local Safelite glass contact to inspect and opine. They checked the windshield for defects, cracks, & air leaks then tightened clips securing the outside windshield trim (to no avail).

Similar experiences and/or solutions would be appreciated. I have a 1994 E320 Coupe Starmark with 90K miles- no mods whatsoever. It runs strong and smooth- - but with the noises she appears older than her years (warranty expires 11/01- yikes!).

Thanks in advance for your help.
-fad

My 92 500E has something similar. It sounds like a rattle/squeak from the A-pillar or maybe behind the passenger air bag. It is intermittent and can be very annoying. I have not been able to sort it out. I have not spent much time trying to figure it out as it requires riding in the passenger seat while it squeaks/rattles. I intend to spend some time on it in the next few weeks...

I would appreciate any suggestions that you or anyone has....

Thanks!

TWB

I get squeaks and creaks from all four corners of my 91 300SE (W126). The front right was the worst particularly when a wheel was out of balance. I tightened the nuts that hold the dash to the chassis (which were pretty tight to begin with) and that cleared 80-90% of the noise. It might have been the nuts or the trim that had to come off to get to the nuts. Whatever it was, it was worth half an hour.

The next step is to drive without the pilar trim. If it's quiet without the trim, then I'll load up on felt tape.

Oh, make sure you don't have coins or anything that might be rattling in the glove box.

I sure hope I don't have welds failing in all four corners.

Sixto
91 300SE

Thanks for your replies.

I have taken my car in to factory authorized service this morning and they will diagnose further by performing the removal of internal pillar trim exercise.

They have promised to have it diagnosed and fixed today especially since it is the second time I've had an appointment to address this issue. I've also asked them to see if any loose items need to addressed in the front seating since they emit minor creaking when someone rides in the shotgun position.

I'll post more as the story develops. Hopefully I'll post a resolve.

tks-fad

Greetings-

I'm happy to report that the problem was resolved by tightening front bumper and right fender (securing bolts).

I drove the car this weekend 150 miles combined city and highway and verified that the squeeking/clicking no longer occured.

The cost of two hours labor (diagnosis & adjustments) charged by factory authorized service was well worth restoring the solid quiet ambiance. The tech also adjusted the hood and lubed the tracks.

-fad

I'd be happy to hear that too, but I'd wonder how they came loose. Particularly the fender since the car is painted after the fenders are bolted on. Did you have some accident damage repaired recently?

Sixto
91 300SE

Hey Sixto-

The car hasn't sustained any accident damage since I've owned it (28 mos), but it is apparant in a couple of places (sadly) where others maneuvering in and out of parking spaces have left surface scrapes and chips to the front and rear painted bumpers covers.

Naturally, what has occured prior to my Starmark ownership, is an accepted mystery.

-fad

-fad.. what MB dealership told you is correct. mine is '87 200 with 450000 km on the odometer. for the last 100000 kms i suffered those squeaks from both A-pillars. there are two sections welded to each other and they might lose their rigidity related to rough surface driving, consistent potholes, etc.. i had them welded (windshield not removed) and squeaks are gone. many W124 owners suffered that around here so it's pretty common fix.

__________________
2001 E200 Kompressor Avantgarde
1987 300E 5-speed
1976 450SLC
1975 280S (sold)
1973 230.6 (sold)

Does anyone have a picture of the area mentioned that needs to be welded? After my recent run-in with a curb at 50mph in my 91 300E, I now have a very loud, annoying squeak that seems to come from the passenger side A-pillar / dash / fender area and it sounds exactly like what is being described. Perhaps the impact jarred that weld?

I just completed replacement of the driver side control arm complete with bushings and ball joint, and replaced complete tie rod assemblies on both sides. The steering is actually tighter than it was before the incident, but I now have this annoying squeak.

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I found the link below. Again, a picture would help as I don't quite understand what's being described...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=106537&highlight=rattle+pillar

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

B U M P

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

reference document attached.

:-) neil

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/tech-help/120221d1395757781-did-you-weld-pillar-your-w124-mercedes-w124-pillar-squeek-grp-62-e-class-bible-stu-ritter.pdf

Found this old thread and realized I have not seen an actual photo of the area in question so after al,most losing my mind with all the squeaks and creaking I tackled this problem and discovers that the reference article is correct here are pictures of the affected area. That little faint brown line is rust at the site of the cracks.

wow! 14 year old thread!

__________________
1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes