kar33m

hello all,

didnt really know where to post this one, so appoligys in advance if its in the wrong section.

both myself and a friend have a 2001 c class (w203) and randomly - and i mean so randomly that its almost impossible to get the cars to " do it" on demand.

issue :-

when going over a pot hole / turning a corner/ going up or down a kerb /etc there is a springy rattlee ,pop clunky kinda sound! the only way to reallt descripe it is like pulling and then letting go of the tension springs for the boot,

i can confirm 100% that its not the springs however as after a day of messing around we actualy took them off completely and it still made the noise!

sounds like it comes from passenger side, but cant confirm. 100% from rear however.

any help or advice would be greatfully appreciated.

regards,

Kareem

Vlad-II

I have that same issue, (2002 W203), I took it to the dealer so many times, they claim they fixed something but the sound returns, it sounds like something is loose. Its hard to describe the sound really, but I know what you're talking about. Sometimes in the cold weather it happens more often. Anyway to remedy this issue? It happens on the passenger side for me too.

Glyn M Ruck

Check Castor/thrust arm bushes, camber bushes, sway bar bushes & links - also check steering rack. Lie under car while someone gently turns the steering from side to side.

Obviously look for play in ball joints.

SeaCoupe

Hey Glyn,

What is 18 and 29 called? The shocks top part too.

Thanks,

Ed

Racin_fool

18 is called the Thrust or Torque Arm and 29 is basically considered the Lower Control Arm. The top of the strut is called the Bearing cap. I have seen people bend pieces inside the bearing cap or the strut itself that will cause noises.

howardyudoing

that's the front assembly, for sure the sound is coming from the rear. i get it too. lol mine is driver side rear. i only get it if i have a full load of people or stuff in the trunk. i also have heavy 19 wheels, so dont know if that's a factor.

ChrisRam

My family and I went out for dinner the other day and I heard the same rattle coming from the rear passenger side. It was the first time I heard it.

SeaCoupe

I have some sounds, but think it is a spring pad that is worn.

I do have plenty of play in my front suspension. Long ago I bought the KMAC camber kit. So, that would go on the Lower Control Arm right?

Ed

splinter

Easy enough to swap those spring pads/strut bearings, emrliqudlife.
Best to do it while in there replacing the camber arm bushings, as the struts must first be removed.

Let me know when you’re ready to twist some wrenches.

reference

Glyn M Ruck

Hi Ed - In my speak

18 = castor arm & bush
29 = camber arm & bush
top = strut tower rubber & bearing.

snail45

I had this problem after I put my lowering springs on. After a lot of messing around with the pads and spring positions, I bought new shocks. Problem was fixed.

Glyn M Ruck

Yes - old & buggered dampers can make a whole range of noises.

LinDenKid

i had the same problem, replaced both sway bar links and noise was gone, i'm not really sure if this applies to your case but that was my problem. Good Luck!