The front suspension of my '97 C230 has developed a squeek when compressed. It's a rather low frequency noise that can be heard during the whole length of suspension travel, not just a short squeek at one point. It can be heard simply when pushing down on the front of the car, as well as while driving at low speeds (when not drowned out by road noise).
I'm thinking that possibly the bushings need to be greased...? If this is the case, is it a DIY job, and what kind of grease should be used? What else could cause the squeek?
Thank you for any help anyone can offer.

My car made a similar sound (perhaps, since I can't hear yours...) and it was the lower front ball joint. Not an uncommon repair in a W202, especially on cars that are driven on poor roads, as mine is.

None of the suspension components on the W202 are "serviced" through grease points, and none of the bushing respond to lubrication. They are either good, or not.

Does it "clunk" going over expansion joints as well? If so, it could be sway bar bushings. I have seen a few W202's with worn sway bar bushings as well.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

My 97 C230 with 67k had the same issue; it must be a problem area. Starmark warranty covered: 1)ball joints, 2) upper control arms, 3) lower control arm bushings, and 4) stabilizer br bushings. The noise is gone and the steering response seems better.

Have seen lots of 202's make that squeak due to bad lower ball joints, ck ball joints. Very comon

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1) ball joints, 2) upper control arms, 3) lower control arm bushings, and 4) stabilizer bar bushings.

I've got the same on the 1997 C230. It goes away on a wet day and is quite pronounced in hot, dry weather.

Regarding evaluating if the above items should be replaced, and, if needed, replacing them, what's the best way to get it done?

Can I do it myself? Is this type of work a specialty, or can my regular independent mechanic do it? Does replacing any of this stuff require a new alignment? Is this stuff best left to the dealership?

Assuming I have my indy do the work and all of the above needed doing, what approximate cost are we talking about: $100, $500, $1,000?

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

Michael,

I got an alignment as part of my repairs, so I would say yes. I don't know what the bill is, as the cost shows "N/C" as it's warranty-related. I looked up the parts online and they came in below $500 if I looked at the right parts, but I'm sure labor will eat you alive.