Clunking Noise Driver side
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Joined: Jan 2020
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2012 E550 4MATIC
Clunking Noise Driver side
There is a clunking noise coming out of my front left side. Sounds like it's behind the wheel. I swapped out my front air struts earlier this month but I don't think that is the issue because I'm sure I did everything right. I took of the wheel to check to see what it was and couldn't figure it out. Nothing was loose.
Any ideas on what it might be or how to further try to diagnose the issue?
I recorded a video of the sound while driving. The noise in the video is more muffled that what it really sounds like.
Any ideas on what it might be or how to further try to diagnose the issue?
I recorded a video of the sound while driving. The noise in the video is more muffled that what it really sounds like.
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
There is a clunking noise coming out of my front left side. Sounds like it's behind the wheel. I swapped out my front air struts earlier this month but I don't think that is the issue because I'm sure I did everything right. I took of the wheel to check to see what it was and couldn't figure it out. Nothing was loose.
Any ideas on what it might be or how to further try to diagnose the issue?
I recorded a video of the sound while driving. The noise in the video is more muffled that what it really sounds like.
https://youtu.be/DUYJ480PD1E
Any ideas on what it might be or how to further try to diagnose the issue?
I recorded a video of the sound while driving. The noise in the video is more muffled that what it really sounds like.
https://youtu.be/DUYJ480PD1E
For me this sounds exactly like I had it when my front struts went bad. This noise appeared before the bags started leaking and it was gone after I replaced the front struts with the OEM re-build parts from FCP Euro.
I heard that someone else re-builds these struts but only replaces the leaking spring bag. They don't fix other internal issues in the shock absorber, which is where the clunking sound in my car came from.
Like I said, it sounds the same, but could perhaps be something else?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2020
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2012 E550 4MATIC
Where did you get the parts that you used to swap the struts out?
For me this sounds exactly like I had it when my front struts went bad. This noise appeared before the bags started leaking and it was gone after I replaced the front struts with the OEM re-build parts from FCP Euro.
I heard that someone else re-builds these struts but only replaces the leaking spring bag. They don't fix other internal issues in the shock absorber, which is where the clunking sound in my car came from.
Like I said, it sounds the same, but could perhaps be something else?
For me this sounds exactly like I had it when my front struts went bad. This noise appeared before the bags started leaking and it was gone after I replaced the front struts with the OEM re-build parts from FCP Euro.
I heard that someone else re-builds these struts but only replaces the leaking spring bag. They don't fix other internal issues in the shock absorber, which is where the clunking sound in my car came from.
Like I said, it sounds the same, but could perhaps be something else?
I got Arnott front struts from Summit. I installed them earlier this month and the noise came about 2 weeks after. Everything was fine in those 2 weeks.
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From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
I knew what it was right away but It's a bunch of little things that add up and make it worse. Sway bar links were roached, front struts surprisingly held air but blew all their oil at 110k, and it became more muted as I moved down the list but finally it ended up being the two motor mounts and trans mount at 115k. I would get that wheel in the air and check your LCA, thrust link, and engine mounts for any blowouts. As for mounts, you can tell if you have a "lumpy" idle but the computer hasn't picked up a misfire. You can pry gently on it to check for movement or have a helper rev the car. It'll also have leaking fluid sometimes. The car will drive smooth for a long time since when youre accelerating itll lift the engine on one side but bumps will rattle the engine against the mounts since they'll be metal on metal without the hydraulic oil inside them.
All of it is connected so it makes sense, mine was on the driver side and it subsided as the car got temperature in it.
All of it is connected so it makes sense, mine was on the driver side and it subsided as the car got temperature in it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 53
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2012 E550 4MATIC
I knew what it was right away but It's a bunch of little things that add up and make it worse. Sway bar links were roached, front struts surprisingly held air but blew all their oil at 110k, and it became more muted as I moved down the list but finally it ended up being the two motor mounts and trans mount at 115k. I would get that wheel in the air and check your LCA, thrust link, and engine mounts for any blowouts. As for mounts, you can tell if you have a "lumpy" idle but the computer hasn't picked up a misfire. You can pry gently on it to check for movement or have a helper rev the car. It'll also have leaking fluid sometimes. The car will drive smooth for a long time since when youre accelerating itll lift the engine on one side but bumps will rattle the engine against the mounts since they'll be metal on metal without the hydraulic oil inside them.
All of it is connected so it makes sense, mine was on the driver side and it subsided as the car got temperature in it.
All of it is connected so it makes sense, mine was on the driver side and it subsided as the car got temperature in it.
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Joined: Apr 2021
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From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
Depends what youre mileage is. At 100k they could definitely be replaced. Oh and make sure your battery is tied down. I'm not saying it's definitely one thing, you gotta check everybodys car ages differently. I pulled a 140k mile alternator out of my 997 the other day that just started to have the bearing go out.
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Thread Starter
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2012 E550 4MATIC
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
A pry bar is your friend. Try to wiggle each joint. It's a DIY; in fact I'm replacing all the front end ball joints on my W211 this weekend so it can get aligned. Replaced the rear springs on it a couple weeks ago, tried to get it aligned but the shop told me I need to replace the lower left joint on the front wheel. I did them all as a kit from FCPEuro a few years ago, so the parts are free... and I still have the specialty tools for the job. Kind of disappointing that the joint crapped out after only a few tens of thousands of miles, but so it goes. The replacement parts are free.
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
MBWorld Fanatic!
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'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
Thread Starter
Junior Member
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2012 E550 4MATIC
A pry bar is your friend. Try to wiggle each joint. It's a DIY; in fact I'm replacing all the front end ball joints on my W211 this weekend so it can get aligned. Replaced the rear springs on it a couple weeks ago, tried to get it aligned but the shop told me I need to replace the lower left joint on the front wheel. I did them all as a kit from FCPEuro a few years ago, so the parts are free... and I still have the specialty tools for the job. Kind of disappointing that the joint crapped out after only a few tens of thousands of miles, but so it goes. The replacement parts are free.
Thread Starter
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2012 E550 4MATIC
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 53
Likes: 9
2012 E550 4MATIC
Wanted to add a few things.
This is the video I mentioned earlier:
The sound in his video sounds pretty close to mine and his issue was sway bar links. Thoughts on that?
Also, I noticed the boot covering the airbag on my strut was not secure to the top. I doubt this caused the problem but small chance it's possible? Assuming there's a tiny gap where the boot covers the top rim.
This is the video I mentioned earlier:
The sound in his video sounds pretty close to mine and his issue was sway bar links. Thoughts on that?
Also, I noticed the boot covering the airbag on my strut was not secure to the top. I doubt this caused the problem but small chance it's possible? Assuming there's a tiny gap where the boot covers the top rim.
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'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
Wanted to add a few things.
This is the video I mentioned earlier:
The sound in his video sounds pretty close to mine and his issue was sway bar links. Thoughts on that?
Also, I noticed the boot covering the airbag on my strut was not secure to the top. I doubt this caused the problem but small chance it's possible? Assuming there's a tiny gap where the boot covers the top rim.
This is the video I mentioned earlier:
The sound in his video sounds pretty close to mine and his issue was sway bar links. Thoughts on that?
Also, I noticed the boot covering the airbag on my strut was not secure to the top. I doubt this caused the problem but small chance it's possible? Assuming there's a tiny gap where the boot covers the top rim.
You won't know till you check them... as rapidoxidation said, get in there with a pry bar and manipulate the control arms/balljoints/bushings... checking for play. Before you take off the wheel, grab the tire at the outer edge and apply back/forth force at 9:00 & 3:00 and then 12:00 and 6:00, checking for play.
The boot on the strut keeps debris out... I don't see it causing clunking. Causing the bladder to rupture... sure.
I have a clunk on my E550 from the front passenger side. First thing I checked was the swaybar links... their tight (10 years old, 100k). All the balljoints are good as well. The only bushing that's "suspect" for me is the thrust arm. I plan to change them... if it doesn't resolve the issue, then I'll install a set of chassis ears. I have a suspension that it could be the strut...
Thread Starter
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2012 E550 4MATIC
You won't know till you check them... as rapidoxidation said, get in there with a pry bar and manipulate the control arms/balljoints/bushings... checking for play. Before you take off the wheel, grab the tire at the outer edge and apply back/forth force at 9:00 & 3:00 and then 12:00 and 6:00, checking for play.
The boot on the strut keeps debris out... I don't see it causing clunking. Causing the bladder to rupture... sure.
I have a clunk on my E550 from the front passenger side. First thing I checked was the swaybar links... their tight (10 years old, 100k). All the balljoints are good as well. The only bushing that's "suspect" for me is the thrust arm. I plan to change them... if it doesn't resolve the issue, then I'll install a set of chassis ears. I have a suspension that it could be the strut...
The boot on the strut keeps debris out... I don't see it causing clunking. Causing the bladder to rupture... sure.
I have a clunk on my E550 from the front passenger side. First thing I checked was the swaybar links... their tight (10 years old, 100k). All the balljoints are good as well. The only bushing that's "suspect" for me is the thrust arm. I plan to change them... if it doesn't resolve the issue, then I'll install a set of chassis ears. I have a suspension that it could be the strut...
How similar is your clunking noise to mine?
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Joined: May 2021
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From: Usa
2011 mercedes e350
Not just 4matic
Nope I have a non 4matic 212 e350 and they're also integrated into the control arm at the top,, the bottom ball joint is not, it looks like an elbow..
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2012 E550 4MATIC
Small Update:
I went in with a pry bar to check behind the tire. The control arm had very little play. Same with the sway bar link. The sway bar link was pretty snug but i was able to twist it back and forth about 45 degrees. The 3rd piece that is perpendicular with the wheel (I don't know the name of this one) is also pretty snug and does move much.
I went in with a pry bar to check behind the tire. The control arm had very little play. Same with the sway bar link. The sway bar link was pretty snug but i was able to twist it back and forth about 45 degrees. The 3rd piece that is perpendicular with the wheel (I don't know the name of this one) is also pretty snug and does move much.
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2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
My E350 had a similar noise and it had nothing to do with suspension/steering. I also chased all that stuff. It was the rear portion of the plastic wheel well that had just a bit of wiggle in it. Road bumps allowed it to shift slightly and make noise against the body or anything right behind it. The noise was transmitted through the body and made me first suspect something attached to the subframe. I verified noise using a soft rubber mallet and tapping around the fender well and underside of body. Easy fix, a bit of foam padding behind the lower section and new fasteners.
Dunno if thats what your car may need but worth a look.
Dunno if thats what your car may need but worth a look.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
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2012 E550 4MATIC
My E350 had a similar noise and it had nothing to do with suspension/steering. I also chased all that stuff. It was the rear portion of the plastic wheel well that had just a bit of wiggle in it. Road bumps allowed it to shift slightly and make noise against the body or anything right behind it. The noise was transmitted through the body and made me first suspect something attached to the subframe. I verified noise using a soft rubber mallet and tapping around the fender well and underside of body. Easy fix, a bit of foam padding behind the lower section and new fasteners.
Dunno if thats what your car may need but worth a look.
Dunno if thats what your car may need but worth a look.
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Joined: Feb 2014
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ml55 amg
My E350 had a similar noise and it had nothing to do with suspension/steering. I also chased all that stuff. It was the rear portion of the plastic wheel well that had just a bit of wiggle in it. Road bumps allowed it to shift slightly and make noise against the body or anything right behind it. The noise was transmitted through the body and made me first suspect something attached to the subframe. I verified noise using a soft rubber mallet and tapping around the fender well and underside of body. Easy fix, a bit of foam padding behind the lower section and new fasteners.
Dunno if thats what your car may need but worth a look.
Dunno if thats what your car may need but worth a look.
Thread Starter
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2012 E550 4MATIC
Another Update:
I swapped my 2 front sway bar links and that seemed to have fixed the issue! No more noise! Ride seems smoother too or that could just be in my head since I don't hear a rattle lol.
I swapped my 2 front sway bar links and that seemed to have fixed the issue! No more noise! Ride seems smoother too or that could just be in my head since I don't hear a rattle lol.
