C320 4 Matic Suspension Clunk
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 69
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From: Hermitage, PA
2004 C320 4Matic Sedan
C320 4 Matic Suspension Clunk
Hi guys. Recently after installing my new (to me) c55 oem 18" wheels, I have a clicking type sound coming from from the passenger side. It's not the cv axles, had those relaxed in the last 500 miles. Also when turning left when wheel is almost at full lock (at low speed) you can hear an almost metal to metal screech sound coming from the same side. I felt the wheel for play and there was none. Took the wheel off and inspected parts on that side and looked at all bushings and saw no leaks or cracked bushings. The clicking type sound can also be heard sometimes going over small bumps at low speeds. Only thing I noticed from my inspection was a difference in the strut on the passenger side compared to the drivers side. Not sure f this is normal or not here is pic of it. Any ideas of what it could be will be greatly appreciated. Car has 78k on it, many issues but I still love it!
The part in question is the metal post makin contact with sway bar mount?
The part in question is the metal post makin contact with sway bar mount?
Last edited by Davis_C320; Aug 13, 2015 at 12:45 AM. Reason: Adding picture
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,255
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From: Seattle
w203 m112
I have detailed a great number of suspension noises and clunks here: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...solutions.html
Originally, i just figured it was your sway bar endlink itself. They tend to give out one side at a time...
I do not believe I've ever seen a front strut's spring perch hit the sway bar endlink mount.
Is that part touching the sway bar endlink mount is metal?
Is that picture taken under load? check when its NOT under load also.
Check the other side and compare. Either way - that perch should not move.
After a quick google search: front strut pictures i have seen shows there to be quiet a bit of spaced between the sway bar endlink mount and the strut's spring perches. Do you have aftermarket front struts?
Originally, i just figured it was your sway bar endlink itself. They tend to give out one side at a time...
I do not believe I've ever seen a front strut's spring perch hit the sway bar endlink mount.
Is that part touching the sway bar endlink mount is metal?
Is that picture taken under load? check when its NOT under load also.
Check the other side and compare. Either way - that perch should not move.
After a quick google search: front strut pictures i have seen shows there to be quiet a bit of spaced between the sway bar endlink mount and the strut's spring perches. Do you have aftermarket front struts?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Hermitage, PA
2004 C320 4Matic Sedan
No original struts and the picture was taken with no load. The drivers side perch doesn't not contact the sway bar mount. Is it possible that this perch could have moved? Not sure if it's a 4matic thing or notz
Moderator Alumni
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
w203 m112
The spring perch should not move, but rust and long term wear can do lots of unusual stuff.
I'd be 100% sure that it wasnt the sway bar endlinks, then probably take a closer look at the strut.
I'd be 100% sure that it wasnt the sway bar endlinks, then probably take a closer look at the strut.
