Rattling noise in rear suspension: shock absorber damage due to cold weather?
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Joined: Mar 2015
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C400
Rattling noise in rear suspension: shock absorber damage due to cold weather?
I love my new C400. However with barely 10000km on it, it has developed a very annoying rattling noise coming from the rear suspension on the right hand side. I had it checked at the dealer and they confirmed the noise but could not pinpoint the cause. They opened a case with MB Canada and told me they would get back to me.
A week later, I called them back to inquire and they said that many cars in Canada had had issues with their shock absorbers this winter as a result of the brutal cold we've had (we've had several days below -25C). They said something about some fluid "freezing" in the shocks when it gets too cold (I find that hard to believe). They added that they did not have a solution because the replacement shocks they have in stock right now are no different from the ones on the car and would be just as prone to damage by cold, so they suggested leaving the car as is until MB can develop a fix to the shock absorbers, something that's likely to take a long time.
Not attempting any repair on the car was completely unacceptable to me so I escalated the issue and will get a new shock absorber in a few weeks. With this winter coming to an end, I figure I should be good until next winter.
Has anyone else encountered cold-related issues with their shock absorbers?
A week later, I called them back to inquire and they said that many cars in Canada had had issues with their shock absorbers this winter as a result of the brutal cold we've had (we've had several days below -25C). They said something about some fluid "freezing" in the shocks when it gets too cold (I find that hard to believe). They added that they did not have a solution because the replacement shocks they have in stock right now are no different from the ones on the car and would be just as prone to damage by cold, so they suggested leaving the car as is until MB can develop a fix to the shock absorbers, something that's likely to take a long time.
Not attempting any repair on the car was completely unacceptable to me so I escalated the issue and will get a new shock absorber in a few weeks. With this winter coming to an end, I figure I should be good until next winter.
Has anyone else encountered cold-related issues with their shock absorbers?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
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From: Toronto
2015 C-300 4matic,Polar White, Black MB-tex,Premium 1,Burmester,partial LED,open pore black ash
I have no noise coming from rear but have only driven 400km in 3 months due to back pain from the bumpy jarring ride. I've suspected a problem with the shocks. Dealer is going to investigate March 9.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
It should be a minor fix. But I'm an oil industry man and modern synthetic damper fluids should be selected to easily handle those temperatures. Damper fluids for the aviation industry have to handle far worse than that.
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 116
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From: Toronto Ontario Canada
2015 C400 4Matic
Hi,
My car is parked outside almost 95% of the time over night but have not shown the noise, yet (definitely hope never).
But my car had 4 failed LED, fell in parktronic sensor, bleeding seat, and a lifted tint on the quarter panel (they blamed it on the cold).
I hope i won't discover more issues.
My car is parked outside almost 95% of the time over night but have not shown the noise, yet (definitely hope never).
But my car had 4 failed LED, fell in parktronic sensor, bleeding seat, and a lifted tint on the quarter panel (they blamed it on the cold).
I hope i won't discover more issues.
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