Sway-Bar Bushings Cured the Thumps
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1994 E320 Dragon Wagon
Sway-Bar Bushings Cured the Thumps
Reading posts suggested my mystery sounds could be related to the sway-bar bushings. I placed a 2X4 board under the jack points and using a jack stand as a fulcrum rocked the bugger like it was an off-road rally car. No thumps or thuds. I bounced the fender corners - nothing. The ride was fine but loud, evil thuds and thumps telegraphed from the front and seemingly under the car like a broken tail pipe hanger would do. Typically on uneven surfaces.
I was doubtful worn sway bushings could generate that much sound. They're rubber after all. I grabbed the wheel end of the bar and pulled back and forth. The bar had 3mm of free motion. Today I dropped the bar and slipped on the new rubbery devils. The pulls were seriously elliptical, even the center pair. Road test told all - vonderbar, silent. I wonder how many strut replacements have been purchased for a $20 fix?
I was doubtful worn sway bushings could generate that much sound. They're rubber after all. I grabbed the wheel end of the bar and pulled back and forth. The bar had 3mm of free motion. Today I dropped the bar and slipped on the new rubbery devils. The pulls were seriously elliptical, even the center pair. Road test told all - vonderbar, silent. I wonder how many strut replacements have been purchased for a $20 fix?
