front end problem floating swaying
#1
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2003 c240 4matic wagon
front end problem floating swaying
2003 c240 4matic wagon 150,000km front end feels like its floating back and forth at speeds over 80kmh alignment is perfect wheels are all balanced had the front left lower control arm replaced due to bad clunk and problem remained any ideas
it feels like if you were to rock sway your body left to right while sitting in a chair and passengers in car can feel it too
it feels like if you were to rock sway your body left to right while sitting in a chair and passengers in car can feel it too
#2
Super Member
This definitely sounds like something is either loose or severely worn in your front suspension (i.e., blown strut, worn control arm, ball joint, etc.). Your best bet is to take it to a suspension or alignment shop and have them give the suspension a thorough inspection.
One thing you can do in the meantime is have someone get in the car and give it a short, hard acceleration forwards and backwards for a couple of feet. While they do this, you should stand next to the car and observe the front tires to see if there's any play (the tire moving at a different rate than the rest of the car - see if the tire moves closer or father from the sides of the wheel well). Observe one side first, then the other. If there's movement, then definitely take it to a suspension shop asap.
One thing you can do in the meantime is have someone get in the car and give it a short, hard acceleration forwards and backwards for a couple of feet. While they do this, you should stand next to the car and observe the front tires to see if there's any play (the tire moving at a different rate than the rest of the car - see if the tire moves closer or father from the sides of the wheel well). Observe one side first, then the other. If there's movement, then definitely take it to a suspension shop asap.
#3
Floating feeling
Did you ever get this figured out? I noticed it the day I bought the car but am worried to let my kids drive it. Doesn't make any sounds at all and put on new tires since then.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
not all alignments are created equally. I have had bad ones before and it makes the front not track correctly and the steering very light.