E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

97 E320 - Front End Knocking

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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 10:06 AM
  #1  
martinleibrock's Avatar
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From: Greenwich, CT
1997 E320
97 E320 - Front End Knocking

my e320 makes a knocking noise from the front passenger side when going over bumps and pot holes. sometimes all it takes is a bit of variation in the road - not even a full bump to make the noise happen. one thing about it though, it seems to happen less at highway speeds (50mph +)

any feedback would be much appreciated.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 12:08 PM
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tirona's Avatar
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1997 s320, 1997 e320
is it like a "clunk" noise, or like a squeeky noise? if it's a clunk most likely the sway bar/stabilize links. my front was making a clunk, and after changing those links there was a big difference and noise dissapeared. they cost like $15 per side, and takes 10 minutes per side to change even for a beginner, or take it to any mechanic.
if it's a squeeky noise, it's probably some bushing, have a mb indy take a look at it if it's bothering you so much.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 12:14 PM
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martinleibrock's Avatar
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From: Greenwich, CT
1997 E320
yes it is a clunk noise. i'll take a look at the sway bar links. definitely a relief to hear it's an inexpensive fix, thanks for your help
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 10:26 PM
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koskesh's Avatar
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1997 E320
Originally Posted by tirona
is it like a "clunk" noise, or like a squeeky noise? if it's a clunk most likely the sway bar/stabilize links. my front was making a clunk, and after changing those links there was a big difference and noise dissapeared. they cost like $15 per side, and takes 10 minutes per side to change even for a beginner, or take it to any mechanic.
if it's a squeeky noise, it's probably some bushing, have a mb indy take a look at it if it's bothering you so much.
Mine makes the clunky noise and the squeaky noise. what could be the squeaky? i'm guessing shocks since they have 140,000 miles on them.
Also what exactly are these links? are they the same as bushings or different? thanks.
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Old Jun 7, 2008 | 03:13 AM
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tirona's Avatar
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1997 s320, 1997 e320
Originally Posted by koskesh
Mine makes the clunky noise and the squeaky noise. what could be the squeaky? i'm guessing shocks since they have 140,000 miles on them.
Also what exactly are these links? are they the same as bushings or different? thanks.
the stabilizer/swaybar link is the one in the picture i got from the autohausaz website. i also have circled it in red in the second picture i got from the website listed below. considering the mileage and years, the rubber bushing on those links gets deformed. mine looked ok by just observing it, but when i removed it, i was able to see that the rubber part was deformed. ride quality improved a lot after i changed the links. i thought my shocks were bad, but after changing the links the ride was fine. shocks actually seem to be pretty strong on w210 mine are fine at 150k miles. might change them when i hit 200k.
http://w210.pietrzyk.net/chass_32suspensionn.htm
Attached Thumbnails 97 E320 - Front End Knocking-link.jpg   97 E320 - Front End Knocking-w210-link-front.jpg  
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Old Jun 10, 2008 | 12:12 PM
  #6  
BostonC4S's Avatar
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'96 E320; 170K miles with extensive rust!
Hey Martin, I've got a set of links and the 2 sway bar bushings from my '96 E320 which were only used for a couple of months. This resolved my "clunk issue". Let me know if you're interested. Thanks.
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