toddlaroche

I've located the source of a very loud squeak coming from the right rear of my 2002 E320. It's the bottom of the spring -- where it sits in the control arm. Could be rust debris in there, or metal-on-metal scraping... it's very loud. I'm going to replace the parts with new ones, but I don't see any kind of rubber mount or pad that goes between the bottom of the spring and the cup of the control arm that it sits in. Seems like a oversight to me.

Anyone familiar with this problem and replacing the parts?

raymond g-

the lower end of the spring is seated right onto the little locator groove on the lower
control arm, just as you see it. unfortunately, this also means that it is bare metal contact.

as you might imagine, this means that this is open to any debris etc which might find
its way onto/between the lower perch. as to whether you could lubricate this to
minimize the squeak, that is up to you. i doubt that any reasonable/careful lubricating
will negatively impact the function or jeopardize safety.

that said, you may also want to inspect that area to see if you spot anything unusual.
blow out the critter particulates, brush, spray.....that may be enough. it's not as if
it doesn't get its share of water the past 13+ years