Ball Joint question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
2003 E320
Ball Joint question
My 2003 E320 has a squeak on front drivers side. It happens either when you push down on the car (or go over bumps) and when you turn the steering wheel. When turning the steering wheel, all it takes is the smallest movement of the steering wheel to cause the squeak.
My question is can someone tell me if this noise is normally caused by the lower ball joints going bad? I've read other posts about it and everyone states the noise come from bumps, but I haven't seen where it's from the slightest movement of the steering wheel.
Thanks for any suggestions.
My question is can someone tell me if this noise is normally caused by the lower ball joints going bad? I've read other posts about it and everyone states the noise come from bumps, but I haven't seen where it's from the slightest movement of the steering wheel.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Last edited by plasma; Sep 8, 2015 at 02:14 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 68
From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
Lower ball joint is likely what you are hearing. Get a cheap mechanic's stethoscope and have someone turn wheel and bounce car while you track the source of the sound.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 18
From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
I recently had mine replaced; it also required replacing new bushings with K-Mac bushings from existing arms (car is lowered). Parts were from AutohausAZ $273.48 and local repair cost $160 for 2 hrs labor. MB dealership wanted $960 (no alignment plus taxes) however would not have agreed to a bushing swap.
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 3
From: New York
2005 E320 CDI
I recently had this on the passenger side. I replaced upper ball joints on both sides, because those were easy. The lower joint was the culprit. Not an easy DIY on jack stands, unless you remove the entire steering knuckle which is what I did. Air tools are a must.
Wish (once again) that I had a lift.
Wish (once again) that I had a lift.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
2003 E320
My local MB wants $900 to do 2 ball joints, so at least the prices are similar. However my local MB mechanic (not a MB dealer) wants $375. So much more of an option for me. Plus there's no alignment needed.
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
According to MB specs, anytime bushings, ball joints, control arms ect are replaced, alignment recommended. If I replaced such things on my vehicle, knowing I tampered with the geometry of the alignment to help me sleep at night i would fork out the extra 140 or so for an alignment. That way next time I take my car to the shop my tires wont be cupped/uneven wear/feathered ect ect.
Do an alignment.
960 is outrageous, however don't buy a 65k$ car, do suspension work to it and not get an alignment. That is by definition Blasphemy.....
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Down Unda
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
i think its a must to get an alignment after.
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