May 21, 2015, 06:22 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Specifications and General Maintenance
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG: Common Problems
Important information to help you understand your Mercedes-Benz
Browse all: Specifications and General Maintenance
Common suspension noises and solutions
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
If you haven't replaced the steering rack bushings, you should. It's pretty easy ... I created a DIY thread for this ... https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...iy-w-pics.html
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
If you haven't replaced the steering rack bushings, you should. It's pretty easy ... I created a DIY thread for this ... https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...iy-w-pics.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
Sounds like what I have too.
Did you listen with an open window - mine makes a metallic clanking sound as well as the hollow sound in the steering column.
Also when I rock the driver's side wheel side-to-side there is some noise in the brake booster area. So it might be the steering column u-joint coming loose(see your shop's comment on tightening some bolt).
I haven't replaced the rack mounts yet, and haven't had an indy look into the noise, but the tie rods look solid to me...
Did you listen with an open window - mine makes a metallic clanking sound as well as the hollow sound in the steering column.
Also when I rock the driver's side wheel side-to-side there is some noise in the brake booster area. So it might be the steering column u-joint coming loose(see your shop's comment on tightening some bolt).
I haven't replaced the rack mounts yet, and haven't had an indy look into the noise, but the tie rods look solid to me...
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
Sounds like what I have too.
Did you listen with an open window - mine makes a metallic clanking sound as well as the hollow sound in the steering column.
Also when I rock the driver's side wheel side-to-side there is some noise in the brake booster area. So it might be the steering column u-joint coming loose(see your shop's comment on tightening some bolt).
I haven't replaced the rack mounts yet, and haven't had an indy look into the noise, but the tie rods look solid to me...
Did you listen with an open window - mine makes a metallic clanking sound as well as the hollow sound in the steering column.
Also when I rock the driver's side wheel side-to-side there is some noise in the brake booster area. So it might be the steering column u-joint coming loose(see your shop's comment on tightening some bolt).
I haven't replaced the rack mounts yet, and haven't had an indy look into the noise, but the tie rods look solid to me...
I haven't noticed any metallic sounds. My noise comes up even with the steering wheel dead straight over a rough surface.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
Funny thing is my 05 c200k has the same loose steering column as the c32 buy no unusual noise going over bumps like the c32. It's nice and quite and hasn't had any suspension work done.
My c200k has the sports pack which looks like a similar brake and suspension setup to the c32 so I'm no longer sure the noise in the c32 is in fact the steering column. Only difference between the two is the c32 is running 18" wheels. I suspect something else is loose which is manifesting up the steering column and causing the vibration.
My c200k has the sports pack which looks like a similar brake and suspension setup to the c32 so I'm no longer sure the noise in the c32 is in fact the steering column. Only difference between the two is the c32 is running 18" wheels. I suspect something else is loose which is manifesting up the steering column and causing the vibration.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
I would still check the rack mount bushings ... Noises come from the strangest places.
Take off the front engine cover, have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth with the steering wheel lock off, and look at the rack where it mounts to the frame to see if there is any give as the rack takes a load. The bushings should be very tight so if you notice any movement in there at all then chances are the bushings are bad.
Take off the front engine cover, have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth with the steering wheel lock off, and look at the rack where it mounts to the frame to see if there is any give as the rack takes a load. The bushings should be very tight so if you notice any movement in there at all then chances are the bushings are bad.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
Suspension guys are replacing the sway bar bushings ... They found movement while it was up on the hoist. Worse on the driver's side which is where most of the noise seems to be coming from. I'll report back with the results once they get installed on Thursday
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 5
From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
Good luck and hope that takes care of it.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
Sad to report that the knock is still there. The seat bar bushes do seem to have stabilized the drive somewhat but I'm still getting knocking noises over bumps... Normally when turning/low speed maneuvers across bumps... Like pulling into a driveway. I'm going to swap out the sway bar links next, even though the suspension guys reckon they are still good.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Sad to report that the knock is still there. The seat bar bushes do seem to have stabilized the drive somewhat but I'm still getting knocking noises over bumps... Normally when turning/low speed maneuvers across bumps... Like pulling into a driveway. I'm going to swap out the sway bar links next, even though the suspension guys reckon they are still good.
At least do the check to see if there is any movement at the mount point.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
crembz,
I would almost bet it's not end links My sway bushings and end links are new and I get this knock. Although the links are cheap and it may be nice to refresh them anyway.
I would almost bet it's not end links
My sway bushings and end links are new and I get this knock. Although the links are cheap and it may be nice to refresh them anyway.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
Benz here want $190 for each end link ... Crooks!
I'm gonna pull the trigger on the two rack bushes ... And may do the end links just to make sure. They're the only two rubber bits left to change.
Other than that I'm thinking the 18" wheels might be the culprit... Transferring additional noise through to the cabin.
I'm gonna pull the trigger on the two rack bushes ... And may do the end links just to make sure. They're the only two rubber bits left to change.
Other than that I'm thinking the 18" wheels might be the culprit... Transferring additional noise through to the cabin.
Last edited by crembz; Oct 16, 2014 at 06:32 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
There are four rack bushings -- two each side, a top and bottom one I bought Corteco for ~$13 each.
Fingers crossed ...!
(Fyi, Lemfoerder sway bar links at Partsgeek ... ~$25 each for non-sport, ~37 sport)
I bought Corteco for ~$13 each. Fingers crossed ...!
(Fyi, Lemfoerder sway bar links at Partsgeek ... ~$25 each for non-sport, ~37 sport)
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
Thought I'd report back. Ever since doing the sway bar bushings the clunk noises have intensified and gotten more frequent. I'm now getting popping whenever the suspension unloads... Occasionally even when accelerating and only ever on the right. Not sure whether the bushings have been put in wrong or have come loose. I checked the end links and they're tight enough. I'd suspect shock absorbers/springs but they're only 4 months old. I'll take it back this week and see what they say but was hoping you guys could maybe suggest what they should be checking.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Thought I'd report back. Ever since doing the sway bar bushings the clunk noises have intensified and gotten more frequent. I'm now getting popping whenever the suspension unloads... Occasionally even when accelerating and only ever on the right. Not sure whether the bushings have been put in wrong or have come loose. I checked the end links and they're tight enough. I'd suspect shock absorbers/springs but they're only 4 months old. I'll take it back this week and see what they say but was hoping you guys could maybe suggest what they should be checking.
If your car does not have replaceable bushings, i.e. they are molded onto the bar, then you have to replace the whole bar. An attempt to find bushings that fit might end up with a problem.
If your car does have replaceable bushings, then also pay attention to the rib along the middle of the bushing where it seats into the bracket. Some cars have "innies" and some have "outies".
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
I visually inspected the bushings and it seems that the split ends of the bushings do not meet up at the rear of the sway bar. There is probably about 3-4 mm gap back there. I didn't get a look at the original ones. Is this normal?
Also moving the sway bar up and down by hand induces a noise at the strutt end of the end link. I'm guessing it is loose but didn't have the tools at hand to tighten.
Also moving the sway bar up and down by hand induces a noise at the strutt end of the end link. I'm guessing it is loose but didn't have the tools at hand to tighten.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Offhand it sounds like the bushings they installed are for a smaller diameter bar. As for the rattle in the strut area, not sure where that is coming from ... You don't have to remove the sway bar links, or touch anything else on the suspension, in order to replace the bushings. But maybe they did? Don't assume your auto mechanic did everything correctly.
Can you take a picture of the bushing? Can you also confirm the model and year of your car?
Finally, to measure the diameter of your sway bar, cut a notch out of a piece of cardboard or card stock that fits over the bar exactly, then measure the size of the notch. It should be in the 20-23mm range for the front sway bar.
Can you take a picture of the bushing? Can you also confirm the model and year of your car?
Finally, to measure the diameter of your sway bar, cut a notch out of a piece of cardboard or card stock that fits over the bar exactly, then measure the size of the notch. It should be in the 20-23mm range for the front sway bar.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
c32, c200k
I'll take a pic next time I'm under there. The Benz dealer said that there are 20mm and 23mm bushings available for the car. It's a c32, and visually pretty sure it's a 23mm bar. I have new rack bushings going in tomorrow. I'll ask the guys to re-torque everything... Control arm bushings, strut tops, end links and the new sway bar bushings. At the moment I'm actually jealous of the c200k the Mrs has because of how smooth the ride is ... Make me desperately want a smooth ride again!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
So you're talking about the C32 then? I thought that sway bar (like mine, C230 Sport) comes with molded bushings now and there are no separate bushings available.
I would suggest you contact your local Mercedes dealership to confirm whether this is the case or not. if it is, then the sway bar with moded bushings is reasonably priced from Mercedes. I bought mine from the local dealership (in the silicon valley, not cheap around here) for under $100.
-- John
I would suggest you contact your local Mercedes dealership to confirm whether this is the case or not. if it is, then the sway bar with moded bushings is reasonably priced from Mercedes. I bought mine from the local dealership (in the silicon valley, not cheap around here) for under $100.
-- John
