Diagnosing a front end clunk
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
2012 C250
Diagnosing a front end clunk
Hi all,
I am working on diagnosting (on my 2003 E320) a clunking sound I've been getting from my driver side front end when going over minor bumps. The sound is pretty disturbing but I'm not sure if it's more cosmetic than critical. About six months ago, I replaced the lower ball joints on both sides. while that solved most of the issues I was having, I knew the uppers needed to be replaced. I recently replaced the upper ball joint on the driver side, but sadly in the process think I may have damaged the boot on the lower ball joint, so replaced the lower ball joint again. Most of the noise is gone and the car handles better, but I still have that disturbing clunk.
I am about to try replacing the lower control arm / thrust arm (this guy: http://tinyurl.com/pd7arrp ). but I'm hesitant to do so because searching forums seems to indicate the culprit may be the sway bar bushings.
Is it kosher to disconnect the swaybar end links and drive the car for troubleshooting purposes to see if the noise goes away? The idea of disconnected a suspension component and just driving around is anathema to me but it seems like plenty of other people on other forums have done it without issue. Are there any other culprits I should be looking at for clunks going over minor bumps?
I am working on diagnosting (on my 2003 E320) a clunking sound I've been getting from my driver side front end when going over minor bumps. The sound is pretty disturbing but I'm not sure if it's more cosmetic than critical. About six months ago, I replaced the lower ball joints on both sides. while that solved most of the issues I was having, I knew the uppers needed to be replaced. I recently replaced the upper ball joint on the driver side, but sadly in the process think I may have damaged the boot on the lower ball joint, so replaced the lower ball joint again. Most of the noise is gone and the car handles better, but I still have that disturbing clunk.
I am about to try replacing the lower control arm / thrust arm (this guy: http://tinyurl.com/pd7arrp ). but I'm hesitant to do so because searching forums seems to indicate the culprit may be the sway bar bushings.
Is it kosher to disconnect the swaybar end links and drive the car for troubleshooting purposes to see if the noise goes away? The idea of disconnected a suspension component and just driving around is anathema to me but it seems like plenty of other people on other forums have done it without issue. Are there any other culprits I should be looking at for clunks going over minor bumps?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,515
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Sway bar links can almost always be disconnected without problems.
They only carry a load in corners and when one wheel encounters a bump or dip that the other does not.
They only carry a load in corners and when one wheel encounters a bump or dip that the other does not.
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
W211
I did the same thing you did when I had a clunk in the front. I decided to just replace the lower ball joints but still had the clunking. I replaced the front tension struts, bought parts to replace the upper arms and and lower arms. The upper arms had no play after 100K miles so I replaced the bushings on the lower arms. This took care of the clunking.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 36
From: Barrington IL
2015 E 250, 1999 BMW M Roadster, 1939 International Harvester, 2023 GLC
not so easy to do lots going on in he front end of these E's. I have hadthe same problems over the years. OK now Ball joints comtrol arms and then some. But with 195,000 on mine it's expected I guess
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
2012 C250
Update: I changed out the lower control arm, thrust / strut arm, and tie rod end, and the clunk is completely gone. I previously replaced the upper control arm and ball joint and the lower ball joint, so with the exception of the shock and swaybar end link I basically have all new suspension on the driver side. It has made a huge difference in driving and overall ride. When the weather warms up a bit I will do the passenger side and try to post photos.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2004 E500 Wagon
CLUNK FROM SWAY BAR
I too had a clunk. It turns out it is a sway bar bushing. I am being told that you can't just buy the bushing you have to buy the sway bar and bushings. Plus you have to drop the sub frame to replace the sway bar.
Does anyone have experience with this?
Does anyone have experience with this?
