Question about mystery noise when turning on incline/decline
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
C 200 2016
Question about mystery noise when turning on incline/decline
Hey all,
So have been trying to figure out this mystery noise in my W205 sedan. The best way I can describe this noise is when coming down or going up my basement parking ramp and then while turning / or straightening the car into the underground garage or up on the main road, a single click sound comes just like when you crack a single knuckle on your hand.
Observations:
It doesn't happen every time but frequently. No noise when on level roads at all, just when turning and some inclined or declined pavement.
Initial work:
Took it to the garage last week, and we discovered the lower control arms needed replacing / bushes so new pair installed, and alignment done. Noise less frequent and bit fainter but stlll there in same driving conditions. We were hoping that this would have removed the noise as well, but its still there.
Any idea what this could be? I don't think its normal, but the whole suspension system was checked and today rechecked and its all fine. Annoying more than anything else on a $50K car, so any advice from anyone who experienced this would be very much appreciated! 2016, Mileage 60,000 KM. Major servicing done about 1200 Km ago, nothing unusual noticed, and just brake work and usual stuff in the servicing by dealer. Mounts all were fine as well, CV joints fine.
I think they checked the sway bar link as well and was ok, not 100 % sure tho.
So have been trying to figure out this mystery noise in my W205 sedan. The best way I can describe this noise is when coming down or going up my basement parking ramp and then while turning / or straightening the car into the underground garage or up on the main road, a single click sound comes just like when you crack a single knuckle on your hand.
Observations:
It doesn't happen every time but frequently. No noise when on level roads at all, just when turning and some inclined or declined pavement.
Initial work:
Took it to the garage last week, and we discovered the lower control arms needed replacing / bushes so new pair installed, and alignment done. Noise less frequent and bit fainter but stlll there in same driving conditions. We were hoping that this would have removed the noise as well, but its still there.
Any idea what this could be? I don't think its normal, but the whole suspension system was checked and today rechecked and its all fine. Annoying more than anything else on a $50K car, so any advice from anyone who experienced this would be very much appreciated! 2016, Mileage 60,000 KM. Major servicing done about 1200 Km ago, nothing unusual noticed, and just brake work and usual stuff in the servicing by dealer. Mounts all were fine as well, CV joints fine.
I think they checked the sway bar link as well and was ok, not 100 % sure tho.
Last edited by steelgraybenz; Sep 2, 2018 at 03:39 PM.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 81
Likes: 30
2016 C300W4 Sport
I have a similar issue in my 2016 C300 4Matic... when first reversing or pulling forward, while turning the wheel, usually on elevation changes, there is a rubbing/grinding sound that appears to be coming from the left front wheel. It only lasts a couple seconds and the car has done this since I got it, but since it's so intermittent, there is no way to replicate this for the dealer.
Not sure what the issue is, it even persisted after I had spacers installed plus an alignment.
Not sure what the issue is, it even persisted after I had spacers installed plus an alignment.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
C 200 2016
I have a similar issue in my 2016 C300 4Matic... when first reversing or pulling forward, while turning the wheel, usually on elevation changes, there is a rubbing/grinding sound that appears to be coming from the left front wheel. It only lasts a couple seconds and the car has done this since I got it, but since it's so intermittent, there is no way to replicate this for the dealer.
Not sure what the issue is, it even persisted after I had spacers installed plus an alignment.
Not sure what the issue is, it even persisted after I had spacers installed plus an alignment.
Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 81
Likes: 7
From: Chicagoland
C400
Possible axle clicking? Like, when you're making a turn in a parking garage, you can hear and feel a clicking? If so, dealer should replace them without issue. I'll be bringing mine in for this over the next few months.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 158
Likes: 15
From: Spring, TX
2015 C300 Sport
Can you reproduce it when not moving? I've got a creak/thunk sound from my front end 2015 C300 Sport w 20k miles. Dealer replaced the LF strut, but the sound is still there. If I pop the hood & give a downward push on the core support, I can make the sound happen.
Mine is not a 4Matic, so I know it's not a front axle/CV joint. Will have to give the FSB a look & see if that may be it.
Mine is not a 4Matic, so I know it's not a front axle/CV joint. Will have to give the FSB a look & see if that may be it.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
C 200 2016
Hi, nope no issue at all in general with the suspension at all, axle reported fine. It is when I make making a turn and then straightening out - but, only while on an incline or decline not on level road. Sounds like the body "flexing" - like a human body joint cracking. Will try and find out the issue tomorrow hopefully. It is unbelievably annoying!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
C 200 2016
Can you reproduce it when not moving? I've got a creak/thunk sound from my front end 2015 C300 Sport w 20k miles. Dealer replaced the LF strut, but the sound is still there. If I pop the hood & give a downward push on the core support, I can make the sound happen.
Mine is not a 4Matic, so I know it's not a front axle/CV joint. Will have to give the FSB a look & see if that may be it.
Mine is not a 4Matic, so I know it's not a front axle/CV joint. Will have to give the FSB a look & see if that may be it.
Yours does sound like the strut though, but if it is still best to take back to dealer and recreate it and tell them issue not solved. I am facing the same situation after having replaced lower control arms at my cost, which it was broken anyway. But this flex noise is just pissing me off. Not going to pay a cent more, dealer better fix it as they charged me enough labor.
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 153
Likes: 33
2015 C 300 4MATIC
I have a similar issue in my 2016 C300 4Matic... when first reversing or pulling forward, while turning the wheel, usually on elevation changes, there is a rubbing/grinding sound that appears to be coming from the left front wheel. It only lasts a couple seconds and the car has done this since I got it, but since it's so intermittent, there is no way to replicate this for the dealer.
Not sure what the issue is, it even persisted after I had spacers installed plus an alignment.
Not sure what the issue is, it even persisted after I had spacers installed plus an alignment.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 81
Likes: 30
2016 C300W4 Sport
Hi, nope no issue at all in general with the suspension at all, axle reported fine. It is when I make making a turn and then straightening out - but, only while on an incline or decline not on level road. Sounds like the body "flexing" - like a human body joint cracking. Will try and find out the issue tomorrow hopefully. It is unbelievably annoying!
It's actually quite discomforting, but I know it'll be nearly impossible to reproduce, short of having a mercedes tech spend the night and drive your car to work the next morning.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
C 200 2016
Yes mine is exactly the same way - it's only when you first get moving after being parked for a bit, and only happens when straightening out from a turn on a slope, forward or reverse for me. The swifter I am with my wheel movements, the more it happens, but it also happens when moving the wheel very slowly occasionally. I can feel the vibrations through the steering wheel quite prominently.
It's actually quite discomforting, but I know it'll be nearly impossible to reproduce, short of having a mercedes tech spend the night and drive your car to work the next morning.
It's actually quite discomforting, but I know it'll be nearly impossible to reproduce, short of having a mercedes tech spend the night and drive your car to work the next morning.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
C 200 2016
Seems to be solved! They had said possibly play inside the steering rack, but they tightened all bolts - subframe, cross bars and finally the steering rack external bolts. No noise last few days, will see how it goes and if it comes back will claim under warranty for a new rack. :-)
It is music not hearing those annoying flex/crack sounds when on inclines!!!
It is music not hearing those annoying flex/crack sounds when on inclines!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 50
Likes: 7
2017 C300
My car is going in for this repair on Tuesday, the conclusion is the steering rack has excessive play and is a warranty issue. So a full new replacement part has been ordered and will be fitted to my car.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
C 200 2016
What is the mileage on your car? Mine is just 60,000 KM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 50
Likes: 7
2017 C300
So chances are mine is the same issue as the indy guy said. But the noise is now gone so if I cannot recreate it no way dealer will replace the rack. I have warranty for another two years though so the second the noise returns will get it replaced.
What is the mileage on your car? Mine is just 60,000 KM.
What is the mileage on your car? Mine is just 60,000 KM.
im in Australia with bad roads and the vehicle only has 20,000Km on it. Hasn't even had the first service yet.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
C 200 2016
Mystery, but now I cant bug dealer without the sound. Its been few days not a peep in the same inclines (my garage).
Last edited by steelgraybenz; Sep 12, 2018 at 02:12 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 798
Likes: 89
From: Bromley, UK
2017 C43 AMG Saloon
What are the mileage intervals down under? Here in pommie land it's 10K miles and the car would have warned me that service was due. I think you're past due for a service.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 798
Likes: 89
From: Bromley, UK
2017 C43 AMG Saloon
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 50
Likes: 7
2017 C300
i have had this car since November 2017 and today clicked over 25,000km. I don’t drive this one on weekends. The joys of Australia where you can drive for 10 hours straight and still be in the same state.
