RALSL

Hello all. Recently I have noticed a subtle squeak coming from our car, a 2002 C230K. I believe, but am not sure, that it is coming from the suspension, probably the rear suspension, but I am not sure. It could also be the front suspension. My other suspect is the hatch, but the noise sounds too muffled to be coming from inside the car. And the sunroof, thankfully, makes almost no noise (unless the road is just awful). I am usually pretty good tracking down where these noises are, but this one is tricky. I would appreciate hearing from people if your cars have done the same thing, and if so, what was the source. This might help me track it down. The reason why I want to do it is that, in my experience, I find that the dealerships (not just our current one, but almost every shop I have ever dealt with) is not good at finding the noise unless you can isolate it for them a bit. The car otherwise runs perfectly, tracks normally, etc., and other than one or two teething issues, has been very reliable. Thanks in advance.

nukblazi

Go bounce all four corners and try to isolate which corner, then, I jack up the car, place a jackstand in there, then grab suspension components and shake violently.

The other good thing to do is have someone listen and track while you drive. Remove the hatch cover, etc....

RALSL

I tried bouncing all four corners, and there is no noise. Weird, I know. I did notice today, however, that the noise seems to be heat related, that is, it does it once the car is very warm, as is the case when you're sitting in traffic. It is definitely in the suspension, I am just not sure where.

Any other thoughts much appreciated. Thanks.

rrf

Start by looking at the sway bar bushings.

Outland

It IS the bushings.

Do a search here...its a pretty common malidy. The design actually changed, if you take it they replace about 5 pcs(new bushings, new sway bar, new clamps), and the problem goes away.

RALSL

Thanks a bunch. Is it the front or rear sway bars? My understanding is that the car has front and rear anti roll bars. On my car, it seems as if the noise is coming from the rear, and it is more pronounced when the sway bars would be under stress, such as the case as when turning.

Outland

Its usually the front. Its kinda hard to tell where the noise is coming from, unless you have the windows down and going slow...then you can sometimes tell if its fore or aft.

Just take it in, they'll know instantly what it is.

Mick

I had the bushes replaced on the front stabiliser bar this apparently is quite common and has fixed the proble.

RALSL

Advice is much appreciated.