Front Suspension Noise
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 31
From: Concord, CA
'13 E350 . M276
Front Suspension Noise
I recently changed my lower strut arms and ball joints. A couple of days ago, I started hearing like a low but noticeable squeaking noise coming from under car's front. Yesterday, after I arrived home and as I was getting out, easing my body weight out, you could hear the squeaky noise. sort of like a stress noise.
EDIT: It appears noise is now constant as long as car is moving. While parked, I pushed down over the left fender and it squeaked briefly, VERY PUZZLING!
It sounds like the springs on a day bed when they are pushed. What could be causing this? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
EDIT: It appears noise is now constant as long as car is moving. While parked, I pushed down over the left fender and it squeaked briefly, VERY PUZZLING!
It sounds like the springs on a day bed when they are pushed. What could be causing this? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Last edited by Stuttgarten; Jul 5, 2014 at 02:27 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 31
From: Concord, CA
'13 E350 . M276
Well, I have not had a chance to take off wheel to test for play. But this morning, I pushed the vehicle level control button to the raised level, behind shifter, and the noise is gone. It would be interesting to push it down to lower level and see if noise comes back! I'll try it on my way home this evening.
I recently changed the lower ball joints, not the uppers!
I recently changed the lower ball joints, not the uppers!
Well, I have not had a chance to take off wheel to test for play. But this morning, I pushed the vehicle level control button to the raised level, behind shifter, and the noise is gone. It would be interesting to push it down to lower level and see if noise comes back! I'll try it on my way home this evening.
I recently changed the lower ball joints, not the uppers!
I recently changed the lower ball joints, not the uppers!
Trending Topics
... lifted it up and down.. walked around car one by one making faces
... and suddenly it went away by itself 


If you have looked everywhere for the problem can't find anything and haven't repaired anything. It's still there you just haven't looked in the right place.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 31
From: Concord, CA
'13 E350 . M276
I looked there by myself there's nothing wrong.. The bushing probably dried out.
I lowered the car using vehicle lowering button, and all is well now. I'm speechless guys. What happened? It was squeaking like you know what, I did not do anything, other than raise and lower suspension using that button below shifter and now all is well, GO FIGURE! 

Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 31
From: Concord, CA
'13 E350 . M276
Well, here's a new development regarding the front suspension noise. I took car in today for an alignment at Firestone and mentioned the noise issue, to which SA said they would check. After alignment was done, he told me noise is coming from left air shock.
Now, there is nothing to show trouble other than that squeak, does that mean the shock has to be changed, I mean these monsters are no simple task to do. Not sure how to proceed here!
Now, there is nothing to show trouble other than that squeak, does that mean the shock has to be changed, I mean these monsters are no simple task to do. Not sure how to proceed here!
Well, here's a new development regarding the front suspension noise. I took car in today for an alignment at Firestone and mentioned the noise issue, to which SA said they would check. After alignment was done, he told me noise is coming from left air shock.
Now, there is nothing to show trouble other than that squeak, does that mean the shock has to be changed, I mean these monsters are no simple task to do. Not sure how to proceed here!
Now, there is nothing to show trouble other than that squeak, does that mean the shock has to be changed, I mean these monsters are no simple task to do. Not sure how to proceed here!
nahh, those are easy to replace.. You can do it yourself! Or buy them online and btw you need to replace both of them even thought you need only one. I replaced my rear shock a couple of weeks ago.. $88 for parts and $100 for labor. If i had time i would have done it by myself and saved $100
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 31
From: Concord, CA
'13 E350 . M276
nahh, those are easy to replace.. You can do it yourself! Or buy them online and btw you need to replace both of them even thought you need only one. I replaced my rear shock a couple of weeks ago.. $88 for parts and $100 for labor. If i had time i would have done it by myself and saved $100
https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...27_gid491.html
I'm also assuming one needs STAR Diagnostics to install these shocks?
You must be referring to another part/application? My car is dual control airmatic air suspension semi-active (489). Arnott sells them at $479/piece. Here is their web link:
https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...27_gid491.html
I'm also assuming one needs STAR Diagnostics to install these shocks?
https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...27_gid491.html
I'm also assuming one needs STAR Diagnostics to install these shocks?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 31
From: Concord, CA
'13 E350 . M276
My question which has not been answered, is shock noise/creaking the beginning of the end for that shock? Could one eliminate noise by spraying maybe liquid silicone somewhere on there, or would this be sort of masking the symptoms?



