May 21, 2015, 06:22 PM
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Common suspension noises and solutions
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
'13 F10 535i / '05 W211 E55
Great post and I'm glad someone posted this. My front suspension is going to **** it seems with the squeaking. Car is always handled with extreme care but the morons at my off-campus apartment thought it's a good idea to put dual metal speed bumps. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
Hi guys...have a quick suspension question related question for ya.
When I go over a speed bump at a moderately high speed, and when the front wheels "land" after the bump and the cars weight presses the front suspension down, I hear a loud click from the front left wheel area. Its only a single click...
I figured it might be a loose end link, but tightening both ends hasnt resolved the problem. Any suggestions on what to check next?
When I go over a speed bump at a moderately high speed, and when the front wheels "land" after the bump and the cars weight presses the front suspension down, I hear a loud click from the front left wheel area. Its only a single click...
I figured it might be a loose end link, but tightening both ends hasnt resolved the problem. Any suggestions on what to check next?
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
Can anyone recommend a brand, etc?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
'13 F10 535i / '05 W211 E55
Hi guys...have a quick suspension question related question for ya.
When I go over a speed bump at a moderately high speed, and when the front wheels "land" after the bump and the cars weight presses the front suspension down, I hear a loud click from the front left wheel area. Its only a single click...
I figured it might be a loose end link, but tightening both ends hasnt resolved the problem. Any suggestions on what to check next?
When I go over a speed bump at a moderately high speed, and when the front wheels "land" after the bump and the cars weight presses the front suspension down, I hear a loud click from the front left wheel area. Its only a single click...
I figured it might be a loose end link, but tightening both ends hasnt resolved the problem. Any suggestions on what to check next?
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Durham NC
2006 ML350 back from dealer after 4 weeks,now back for oil consumption test!,2003 C230 Sport
Anyone know were squeaks can come from when turning steering wheel? It only happens when temp is low. I just had $1000 worth work done to the front end.It seem like an on going battle with the suspension on these cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
They were replaced only about 2 months ago...there is no lateral or vertical play in the wheels. That is supposed to be a test of all suspension components...which is why im lost for ideas.
I completely agree...Ive just learnt to live with some minor squeaks, etc for now. Seeking perfection like when the car was new can get very $$
I completely agree...Ive just learnt to live with some minor squeaks, etc for now. Seeking perfection like when the car was new can get very $$
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
My car has always been crawled over speed bumps. My suspension is holding up fine.. I had a very thorough inspection done on it a couple of months ago and they could find no problems even at 98,000 - said even the end links were fine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
I would also suggest going over the speed bumps at a lower speed. I have to do it the lowered car way and at an angle or fine another way around. I do not like hearing the sound of my cf lip scrapping.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
Thats an anomaly! Pretty much everybody local who owns a W203 has had all control arms/bushings/end links replaced at least once. Some up to 3 times within the first 100,000 miles.
Maybe its the driving in the crazy snow with wheels constantly spinning out of control that causes pre-mature failure, or maybe the extreme cold kills rubber bushings faster...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
Agreed! I just want to make sure I catch major issues before they become major...but for now this is a non-issue. The only time I go over bumps at anything more than a crawl is when I dont see the bump till the last minute lol.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
If its a rubbing/scraping noise, check the dust cover just inside the wheel.
If its a vibrating kinda noise (which you can also feel), check the inner end of the upper and lower control arm (the spindle joint). The busings are probably worn.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
LOL nice description!
Yeah I dont think suspension noises are worth fixing until it becomes a major issue, because they will never go away fully...from my experience!
I recently had the upper and lower (front L & r) control arms, l & r endlinks and rear bushings replaced. Suspension still knocks and ticks randomly :S
Yeah I dont think suspension noises are worth fixing until it becomes a major issue, because they will never go away fully...from my experience!
I recently had the upper and lower (front L & r) control arms, l & r endlinks and rear bushings replaced. Suspension still knocks and ticks randomly :S
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Nothing replaced. The thorough inspection of every single part by my indy mechanic didn't come up with anything that needs to be replaced. Everything is fine. I don't have any noises, vibrations, uneven tire wear, alignment issues etc.
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
2006 SLK280
I am now having a problem with my 03 coupe's front suspension. The front left wheel at times feels like it's hopping. When making left turns or applying the brakes. Going straight down the road, it feels fine. My front end has had no problems until this. The car has 134,000 miles. Any thoughts?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Speed Bumps
There is another good reason to take it easy over speed bumps - to preserve your Cats.
The biggest single cause of premature Cat failure is going over speed bumps fast while the catalyst is incandescent.
The biggest single cause of premature Cat failure is going over speed bumps fast while the catalyst is incandescent.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
2006 SLK280
Hi Glyn, The tires look ok. This problem just started in the last 2 weeks and the snow tires I have on there now were put on the first week of December, so that might be why there is no cupping.
I jacked up the car to check the suspension. Everything feels solid. The lower control arm bushing has some minor cracking on the edges but no sign of a leak. You may be onto something with the damper strut.
I jacked up the car to check the suspension. Everything feels solid. The lower control arm bushing has some minor cracking on the edges but no sign of a leak. You may be onto something with the damper strut.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Inadequate damping of the wheel allowing it to bounce instead of remaining in contact with the road. Do a quick read up on shock absorbers & their function on the internet
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Hi Glyn, The tires look ok. This problem just started in the last 2 weeks and the snow tires I have on there now were put on the first week of December, so that might be why there is no cupping.
I jacked up the car to check the suspension. Everything feels solid. The lower control arm bushing has some minor cracking on the edges but no sign of a leak. You may be onto something with the damper strut.
I jacked up the car to check the suspension. Everything feels solid. The lower control arm bushing has some minor cracking on the edges but no sign of a leak. You may be onto something with the damper strut.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Good to know! People get annoyed with me sometimes in parking lots because I literally crawl my car over speed bumps at <1mph
