richardamp

I recently took my car in for 6 issues, the biggest of which was a knocking / clicking sound when I turned the wheel at low to moderate speeds. The dealer said that my front axle needs to be replaced. Has anyone else also had a similar issue?

CO2010

I get that same knocking when making a sharp turn. Usually when backing out of a parking spot. Just this morning I heard, and felt a large pop. It only happens when the wheel is turned all the way. Have to get it checked out asap!

rustycruiser

From the malfunction thread a week ago or so:



This one is more concerning. I am hearing a noise from the passenger front end when I move the steering wheel side to side driving. I also hear it when going over a speed bump. Perhaps the front CV? It is more of a banging rather than a clicking that you would associate with a CV though. Interestingly, I don't hear it when the car is cold, only after driving for a bit.

Will add it to the list. Nothing has been addressed yet, the dealer has been waiting for the seat parts for almost 1.5 months.

I tried to make a video of the noise as I was nearing my house this evening. It is barely audible in it (much louder in person), but you can kind of hear it as I saw the wheel back and forth.

richardamp

Yes, sounds similar. It's progressively gotten worse for me over time.

The dealer checked with MB on how to resolve this and MB is the one who told them to replace the axles. I got the impression this was something MB was already aware of and already knew what action needed to be taken. It's a special order part that will take a few weeks to come in.

richardamp

Yup, that's it. Sounds like new axles are needed. I also noticed it wasn't noticeable when I first started driving in the morning but got worse as the car warmed up. I also noticed it over larger bumps, as you also observed.

CO2010

A few weeks to come in! Did you have to leave the car at the shop while the parts come in?

rustycruiser

I still have not taken mine in for this to be looked at. I was hoping to do it at the same time as my seat cover replacement. However I am still waiting for that. Going on two months now waiting for the dealer to get all the parts in for the seats.

Not to mention a malfunctioning garage door opener, loose rooftop trim, misaligned door chrome, squealing brakes, misaligned bumper, door wind noise etc etc

gnus

I had a similar issue at very low speeds, think pulling into the driveway/parking spots. Replaced both front axles and the sound is gone.

Glyn M Ruck

Dear me. This is a new one for Benz. Axle replacement!! I wonder what the true fault is with the axles?

CO2010

No kidding! This isn't a misaligned tail lamp we're talking about. This is now a safety issue!

ManiacGT

Those that have issues. What was your build date and manufacturing plant?

CO2010

I'll have to get the info from my window sticker

BoboPolo12

I park in an underground garage and I always hear a clicking from the front when turning in/out of the garage. I don't really notice it after a bit of driving though, which initially led me to believe it was just something to do with cold start up. I don't hear it getting any worse as I continue to drive. Is this something that got more noticeable over time? FYI, I have ~1200 miles on the car.

Glyn M Ruck

I'll bet one of their component suppliers has screwed up.

richardamp

November 2014, Alabama for me.

rustycruiser

October 2014, Alabama for me


I am not sure CO2010 issue is the same, seeing as his car is RWD. No front axles and CVs for him.

richardamp

For me, this definitely became more noticeable as I put more miles on the car.

However, my daily experience was different than yours. It isn't too noticeable when I started driving each morning, but as I continue to drive and make turns it becomes more noticeable.

CO2010

I didn't even think of that! What I have is definitely something serious with possibly the steering shaft or the joints. Sounds like metal grinding against metal with an occasional POP!

rustycruiser

Exactly the same as me. It has got worse the more miles I put on. At 5K miles right now. When I start driving, the car is normal. 25 min later, every turn or bump I hear the noise. It's so weird. Somehow temperature related as the axle or CV heats up it expands and this causes the noise?

rustycruiser

Maybe the castle nut on one of the tie rod ends not tight enough? That would allow the joint to over rotate side to side like it was worn. Or one of the steering arm ball joints, same problem?

Glyn M Ruck

People describe noises differently. Popping sounds on previous models have mostly been steering rack related.

TommiM

Ive seen this issue before, replacing the front axle resolved this issue.

rustycruiser

Dropped my car off at the dealer this morning to have them look at this issue. No message from the SA, so I will give him a call in the AM to see if they determined the problem, and possible solution.

rustycruiser

I heard back from my Service Adviser about 10 min ago. He let me know that they narrowed my noise down to the front struts, rather than the axle shafts like others above in the thread. They have ordered in two new ones to replace both in front.

Jefflin

Wait front axle for 3 weeks and got the replacement this Friday.. after replaced, still a little noise.. I know I will be going to replace again after 5 months... no good...
And problem with hand free volume control too......what the "best or nothing"