jdweaver1223

Hoping I can get some help/extra opinions...

2013 C300 4MATIC

I've been hearing a lower pitch "clicking" type noise coming from the left rear tire area. The sound itself is similar to something popping in and out of place, though I don't believe that is what is happening. The sound only occurs at low speeds when hitting bumps or making turns that forces the tire to move up and down. Classic example would be when turning into a parking lot that has a slight elevation change from the road. It is also hard to tell when the sound will occur. It is not super frequent but when the right bump or turn is made it is noticeable.

I took the car to an independent shop and while getting an oil change and brake inspection I asked if they could take a look at the shocks and struts in that area. I figured that was the most likely suspect. Upon inspection, they stated nothing was wrong with shocks and that they believe the noise is coming from the brake sensor wire making contact with the rotor as a part of "rust ridge". They said my rotors and pads are almost ready to be replaced (75,000 miles on the car so makes sense) and this would take care of that noise.

My question is do you think this is a plausible explanation for the noise? I have not heard of anything similar to that before. No doubt I will be replacing the rotors and pads regardless but I'm more concerned with narrowing down where this noise is coming from.

Any help is appreciated!

chassis

Hard to say. 75k miles on rotors and pads is beyond the norm, so I would replace the brakes then see if the noise is still there.

jdweaver1223

Pads have been replaced before but rotors have not. That's what I'm thinking too. Thanks for the response

xsever

Usually, suspension noises that come from going over speed bumps/edges are related to sway bar and/or sway bar links. That is especially the case in the front.The bushings on the sway bar wear out/become hard and they cause "squeaking" noises. I'm not sure how comparable these sounds are to the "clicking" you are hearing, but I thought I would provide my experience with suspension noises.

chassis

Clicking, if not a loose body part such as a piece of trim or wiring, can also come from strut/shock mounts, often the upper mount.