has anyone had their upper front suspension arm replaced??? is it only the rubber bushing, or is it the entire arm assembly???

lately, ive had this random "tok" "tok" sound when maneuvering in d driveway, and upon inspection, the rubber bushing at the end of the upper suspension arm, had a crack on it. so maybe the rubber was already developing some sort of "play" causing the "tok tok"sound.

 

Spray a lubricant, like WD-40, in there to see if the sound changes.

 

Take it in for service, its a common problem with the W203 and they replace it without a second thought.

 

I've been told that the rubber bushings ( a normal wear & tear item) needs to be replaced every so often. A tech also told me to ensure that it is lubricated with some oil-based solvent. (vaseline would work fine). The lubricant goes on the inner mesh on the surface of the rubber bushing. This soaks into the mesh and prevents the rubber from cracking under stress. Don't know all the technicalities about that, but it sounds right.

 

They way it was explained to me is some of the earlier W203's used lubrication that was too thin and washed away. The newer models use a thick substance that will stay put and you won't have this problem. I suppose that is why it is replaced under warranty.

 

And this is why one should never use WD-40 for lubrication purposes. If anything, it only works for a very short time, then flows away and dries, removing whatever thick lubricant was there.

 

...I have that same noise...I wonder if they will address it at 70k miles?

 

The bushings are not normal wear items like a brake pad. Also, they don't usually require lubricating unless they are neopreme, which they are not.

 

My service manager informed me that bushings are NORMAL wear and TEAR issues. So whatever

 

i had one replaced on the passenger side. the suspension was making a knocking sound when i would go over bumps. maybe it was the tower arm come to think of it. it had to do with a bushing though.

 

That's definitely a warranty replacement. if you are still under warranty (50k) or the extended 100k warranty. I had mine replaced too...

 

Our front arm bushings were replaced around 75k miles under warranty. Not a normal wear and tear item.

ERic
www.installuniversity.com

 

Do you have an aftermarket suspension? If you do, then great, I'll take mine in! A TSB# on this would be better though...

 

Are you kidding? My wife would freek if I mod'd her car.

Everything is stock for now, but that is going to change now that the warranty is up.

I doubt my dealer would be that cool if they were aftermarket. Well, I can garuntee they wouldn't since they are asses.

Eric