mmgrad

So, about 1 month ago (when my wife started driving my car ), the front (driver side) suspension started making this creeking/squeeking/squealing noise every time the suspension flexes.

So, there is noise coming from that front-driver side axle when...
- i or anyone else get in/out of the car, including my 3yr old daughter
- i'm driving at almost any speed where the road isn't smooth as glass. i've tried driving as fast and listening, the noise is present still after 40+mph
- the car's suspension is responding to any shift in weight

some info about my car;
- 2003 E320 w/ sport package
- airmatic suspension
- approx 60,000 miles
- no front end accidents, no curbing from that axle
- that front axle airbag has had 2 hydraulic leaks, and both times replaced by factory (48k miles) & extended warranty (55k miles)

rather than having you guys try and guess and visualize the noise, i went and just recorded it earlier today. you can hear the noise as i push down and let go of the front driver side fender. take a listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0OGyXbZc5U

hopefully, by having you guys hear the noise, you might be able to offer some guesses as to what might be the cause.

thanks!

Sathinas

At 60K miles you'll have some worn suspension bushings or even bad ball joints.

SZMB

It does sound like a bad ball joint. Does it make the same type of noise on the passenger?
Have a read on this thread if you want to tackle this problem.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...oint-w211.html

CharlyE500

It should be the ball joint. I had the same problem with the E500 cost about $250 approx.

mmgrad

no, the noise is only coming from the driver side at the moment...

thanks for the link to the awesome DIY. love it when there are others on the forum so committed to helping out others...

was your car exhibiting the same noise?
has the noise come back?

i'll use your test tomorrow and test if there is any give on the rotors/ball joint....

vettdvr

I had the same at same mileage.

SZMB

My car had the same noise on the driver side. Noise is gone after replacing the ball joint.