W123 Suspension Noise
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4
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From: Eagle Point Oregon
1985 300D Turbo
W123 Suspension Noise
My 85 300D Turbo has been making a front suspension noise off and on for about 7 months. latly it has gotten worse. It sounds like a Squeaking coming from the front. I'm not sure if it is the Shocks (It still has the originals), or if something needs lubricated, or if it's something more serious. What do you guys suggest?
Thanks,
Chad
Thanks,
Chad
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 412
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From: Derbyshire, England
re,
With out hearing the noise it’s hard to say, but it could be a number of things;
1, Springs. It could be just a stone caught in the cup. If you jack it up using the jacking point (not on the suspension) you may be able to see and remove it. It may be the spring has broken, again jacking it up as above you will then feel any play.
2, It could be the shocks, but usually this is only the case if the fluid has leaked.
3, And the most likely if the car is high mileage, it could be a worn bush or mounting on the suspension. If its bad you may notice some play in one, but if ones gone it’s most likely that all are worn! Does it seem any worse in the hot weather? Dry weather will make the rubber more ridged.
1, Springs. It could be just a stone caught in the cup. If you jack it up using the jacking point (not on the suspension) you may be able to see and remove it. It may be the spring has broken, again jacking it up as above you will then feel any play.
2, It could be the shocks, but usually this is only the case if the fluid has leaked.
3, And the most likely if the car is high mileage, it could be a worn bush or mounting on the suspension. If its bad you may notice some play in one, but if ones gone it’s most likely that all are worn! Does it seem any worse in the hot weather? Dry weather will make the rubber more ridged.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Point Oregon
1985 300D Turbo
Thank you for the reply.
The best i can describe it is its a loud squeak when the car hits a bump and it also squeaks at low speeds when your turning the steering wheel. I'll check it out with my Dad tomorrow and if we can't figure it out then we'll take it to a MB Specialist.
Thanks
The best i can describe it is its a loud squeak when the car hits a bump and it also squeaks at low speeds when your turning the steering wheel. I'll check it out with my Dad tomorrow and if we can't figure it out then we'll take it to a MB Specialist.
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 36
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I had a similar problem on a 83 300D. The lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The rubber boot had disintegrated,etc. It was an easy visual, plus I could spray WD40 on the joints and the noise would diminish.
The unfortunate part was the ball joints need to be pressed in with a special tool. I took it to the local MB specialist ( not the dealer ) and it was around $300.
Best of luck.
The unfortunate part was the ball joints need to be pressed in with a special tool. I took it to the local MB specialist ( not the dealer ) and it was around $300.
Best of luck.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 63
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From: Oakville, Ontario Canada
'89 300E
Could be lower ball joint. My 87 had that problem. But it started very suddenly and was quite loud, especially when turning to steer. I wouldn't describe it as off and on. I could only live with the groan for three days before having my mechanic fix it. Cost me $300 CDN for his labour, plus $52 for the pair of ball joints. It's not a DIY job (for me at least) since the joints must be pressed into the A-arms.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
