W210 Suspension Noise - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DaveJ · #1 11-22-2003, 09:07 AM

My '98 E320 with 71K miles has developed a very slight clunking noise that appears to originate from the front passenger wheel area. I only hear the noise at low speeds, less than 50mph. I hear the noise repeatedly over uneven roads. Over average bumpy roads I don't notice anything unusual.

Ball joints were replaced at about 50K miles.

Are there any items on the W210 that typically wear at this mileage that could couse this noise?

Thanks.

#2 11-22-2003, 12:47 PM

Could be your shocks. Mine were making a clunking sound right before a massive fluid leak.

DaveJ · #3 11-22-2003, 06:47 PM

I thought Mercedes shocks were to last near 100K miles under average use? Or, is it typical to replace them at around 70K miles?

phouse · #4 11-23-2003, 06:56 PM

Believe me.. It's your lower control arm bushings.. I am replacing mine right now as we speak.. Do a search on lower control arm bushings... Maybe we can compare notes...

Peter

DaveJ · #5 12-03-2003, 11:11 AM

To follow up on my original posting, I had my '98 E320 checked by my mechanic for suspension noise this morning. The cause is loose ball joints, primarily the passenger side.

I was very surprised because they were already replaced while under warranty at just under 50K miles. According to my mechanic, this is a very common item for replacement on all W210s.

I'll have them replaced next week, but I'm really disappointed that this already requires replacement. In the past I've driven cars that include Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Honda to 75K-100K miles and never had the ball joints replaced. Maybe ball joint replacement is something common for late model cars of all marquees. Or, maybe it's just another example of Mercedes' quality, but I won't start that rant on this thread.

Car Nut · #6 10-12-2004, 12:10 PM

I just have my 99 E430 Sport 75k miles repaired for the front end suspension noise. The problem had probably started at around 68k miles. The dealer replaced both sway bars links, right front ball joint and peformed alignment. There is no more clunking noise from the front. Also the steering wheel is tighter or less play.

DaveJ · #7 10-12-2004, 04:47 PM

I should have followed up on my last posting regarding the suspension noise. I went to another mechanic and he immediatley diagnosed the problem as bad sway bar links. He replaced the the sway bar and links and the clunking noise was gone. Sure glad I didn't listen to the first mechanic and paid for new ball joints only to find the problem was still there.

Car Nut · #8 10-12-2004, 09:11 PM

I really didn't care if the dealer replaced the whole front end suspension because I bought the MB extended warranty. The dealer did replace both front ball joints. Also the right tie rod has been replaced too.

phouse · #9 10-13-2004, 10:51 AM

I had replaced the ball joints during my diagnoses of the problem. Then I realized that it was the end links... Well at least I have new ball joints and lower control arm bushing one less thing to have to worry about..