I have a 1985 380SE with 111,000 miles on it. Just yesterday, my wife pointed out to me that there is a fair amount of creaking noise coming from (what I assume is) the suspension. I hadn't really noticed it much myself, I've usually got the radio on. With the hood up, I can cause the creaking noise by compressing and releasing the suspension in the vicinity of the front left shock. It doesn't sound like anything's broken, mind you. I know that there are not grease fittings on this car but it sure sounds like it needs to be greased. My question for you more learned than I is this: Is this common? Does it indicate anything seriously wrong (expensive)? I think that the shocks on the car are original. I am willing (and able) to replace them myself. Might this creaking noise be related?

Thanks in advance for any advice/ info.

Have the ball joints, tie rods, drag link, idler arm bushings, and the sway bar bushings checked with a stethascope. I have seen many ball joints fail on 126's.

Have you checked the strut mount?

I have similar noises on a 91 300E with 105,000 miles when I push down on any corner of the car (fron and rear). I've also been noticing road vibrations, minor but annoying. Do the recommendations previously menthioned apply on this model? Is shock replacement recommended? Thanks.

Brooks, I have only had to replace a handfull of front struts and rear shocks on the 124. They are very reliable. Have the steering links and the idler arm bushings checked.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

my 89 300E just had that same problem. It was my ball joints. My mechanic said when one breaks, thats which way you will be doing circles until u fix it.