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Suspension noise help!!

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Old Apr 15, 2020 | 05:05 PM
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2012 c250 coupe
Suspension noise help!!

Took a video. Getting this noise when moving the tires as well as a clicking when turning right. Just did sway bar links and motor mounts for another issue. I’m thinking tie rods which I have no problem replacing but I just can’t tell if thats where it’s coming from. I would appreciate the help for anyone that may recognize this sound.
2012 c250 rwd.

also have some sort of leak. Can’t tell if oil or PS fluid. It’s all over the oil pan and near the turbo. Not sure if related or not just wanted to bring it up. More concerned with the noise.

thanks in advance.





Last edited by mrm143; Apr 15, 2020 at 05:54 PM. Reason: Add link to video
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Old Apr 15, 2020 | 06:39 PM
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Now that I think about it. The leak seams to be near one of the power steering hoses. It has a metal connector on it. Looks like it’s crimped together. Wondering if the leak is causing the noise and if that’s the case I can search on how to replace the hoses. Just brainstorming. Sorry
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Old Apr 15, 2020 | 07:24 PM
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2011 C300 Sport
To check the tie rods, jack up the one side and try to pivot the wheel front to back. There should not be any motion in it and you can see(hear) if the joints are squeaking. The inner is more difficult to detect being bad.

Did you check the PS fluid level? Since you look like leaking PS fluid, you may be low or have a problem with the rack.
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Old Apr 15, 2020 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Glock_19_9mm
To check the tie rods, jack up the one side and try to pivot the wheel front to back. There should not be any motion in it and you can see(hear) if the joints are squeaking. The inner is more difficult to detect being bad.

Did you check the PS fluid level? Since you look like leaking PS fluid, you may be low or have a problem with the rack.
it shook very very little but I’m wondering if the leak is ps fluid which in turn emptied the system and it’s low on fluid. I’ll check tomorrow and also take pics of the leak. If it’s just a hose I’m sure I can replace it with you guys help lol.
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Old Apr 15, 2020 | 09:49 PM
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Mercedes w204 4matic sport
Originally Posted by mrm143
it shook very very little but I’m wondering if the leak is ps fluid which in turn emptied the system and it’s low on fluid. I’ll check tomorrow and also take pics of the leak. If it’s just a hose I’m sure I can replace it with you guys help lol.
it could be the bushings for the steering rack, if we have them on our car. It would make a creaking noise. Or the steering rack could be loose, I’ve seen it happen.
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Old Apr 15, 2020 | 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Just204
it could be the bushings for the steering rack, if we have them on our car. It would make a creaking noise. Or the steering rack could be loose, I’ve seen it happen.

it does look like PS fluid. Smells the same and their is only a tiny bit on the tip of the dipstick. So tomorrow I am going to fill it up and listen. Next step would be to figure out which hose is leaking and maybe one of you guys has a write up on changing the hoses? I’m not even sure how those connections go together. I believe we have bushings also I will check that too.

on the topic of fluid, which do I get to put in there? Can’t find it in the owners manual.

Last edited by mrm143; Apr 15, 2020 at 10:15 PM. Reason: Spelling
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Old Apr 16, 2020 | 01:34 AM
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Mercedes w204 4matic sport
Originally Posted by mrm143
it does look like PS fluid. Smells the same and their is only a tiny bit on the tip of the dipstick. So tomorrow I am going to fill it up and listen. Next step would be to figure out which hose is leaking and maybe one of you guys has a write up on changing the hoses? I’m not even sure how those connections go together. I believe we have bushings also I will check that too.

on the topic of fluid, which do I get to put in there? Can’t find it in the owners manual.
it’s probably chf11s, should be a reservoir in the engine bay. Look for a diagram layout in the manual. You have to replace the whole line, there’s fittings at each end. You have to figure which one it is. If it was real low the pump would almost definitely whine bad.
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Old Apr 16, 2020 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Just204
it’s probably chf11s, should be a reservoir in the engine bay. Look for a diagram layout in the manual. You have to replace the whole line, there’s fittings at each end. You have to figure which one it is. If it was real low the pump would almost definitely whine bad.

so fluid was low but didn’t make a difference. Do we have bushings in the rack? If so that’s my next job. Sounds like rubber so gonna see if I can get bushings if anyone knows for sure.

here’s a pic but can’t find any bushings?



Last edited by mrm143; Apr 16, 2020 at 02:55 PM.
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Old Apr 16, 2020 | 07:13 PM
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Can you get an automotive stethoscope? At least the noise is easily reproducible without driving it. This should help identify the source with a lot of unnecessary replacements.
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Old Apr 16, 2020 | 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by DrivingForce
Can you get an automotive stethoscope? At least the noise is easily reproducible without driving it. This should help identify the source with a lot of unnecessary replacements.
I could buy one if needed. I’m going to check the rack bolts tomorrow night to see if I can reproduce the noise. I haven’t been able to get underneath today.

i can definitely feel it when I touch the steering rack.

does anyone know the torque specs in the two bolts that hold it to the frame? I know their is a nut on one side and the bolt in the other.

Last edited by mrm143; Apr 16, 2020 at 07:18 PM.
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 04:28 PM
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So the steering rack was loose on the frame. Tightened it up and so far no noise.
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 06:49 PM
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Sweet.. The easy ones are always the best...
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