Front End Noise...'83 380 SEL
 

Hi, I just purchased a 1983 380 SEL. The car has 84,000 miles, always garaged, all original paint with 3 or 4 small door dings. Almost mint condition. Gave 2800. for it.

Here is my problem/question....There is a noise coming from the front suspension, or it sounds like thats where its coming from. I replaced the shocks, no improvement. It sounds like something may be loose and I feel a bit of vibration when its making the noise. It happens when going over bumps at low speeds, and when accelerating from a stop as the suspension unloads. No noises at speed, or at least I am not hitting bumps at speed to hear it.

I have had a few SEL's, SL's & 300E, none of them made this sound. I am hoping this is a common occurance and that some of you can either tell me what it is or point me in the right direction.

I am planning on swapping out the timing chain for a double row, as time permits, other than that, this one is a diamond. Glad to have another Benz after many, many years.

Thank you for any help,

Eric

At that age, unless previously done, a lot of those suspension rubber bits are going to be dry and worn, not to mention various moving joints.

Not uncommon to need to refresh the front end suspension/steering components in the older 126.

Thank you 420. I was suspecting that very thing. What do you (or anyone else) recommend to be the best way to figure out what is worn out or in need of replacing?

I live on a ranch, in the middle of nowhere, and prefer to be my own mechanic. Should I have my wife jump up and down on the bumper with me underneath listening for noises? :)

What about removing the wheels, shocks and springs, then flexing the suspension through its full travel....will it make the noise with no weight on it?

As you can tell, I have a few questions, and do not quite know the best or most efficient path to correct the problem (s).

Thanks for the help.