Squeak Diagnosis

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Rate Thread

Jul 28, 2003 | 01:36 PM

RALSL

Thread Starter

Almost a Member!

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

Squeak Diagnosis

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.

Jul 28, 2003 | 06:02 PM

nukblazi

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 2,012

Likes: 1

From: Abingdon, MD

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....

Jul 28, 2003 | 07:40 PM

RALSL

Thread Starter

Almost a Member!

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

Squeak

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.

Jul 28, 2003 | 07:43 PM

rrf

Super Member

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 711

Likes: 1

Start by looking at the sway bar bushings.

Jul 28, 2003 | 08:51 PM

Outland

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 2,916

Likes: 1

From: The blue white rock, third out.

2002 C230 Coupe(M111)

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.

Jul 28, 2003 | 09:15 PM

RALSL

Thread Starter

Almost a Member!

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

Sway Bar Bushings

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.

Jul 29, 2003 | 10:53 PM

Outland

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 2,916

Likes: 1

From: The blue white rock, third out.

2002 C230 Coupe(M111)

Re: Sway Bar Bushings

Quote:

Originally posted by 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.

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.