Front End Squeak/Clanking Noise
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 2
2009 S450 4Matic, 2015 G550
Front End Squeak/Clanking Noise
Hello everyone,
I've been hearing some squeaking and clanking noises coming from the front end on the driver side of my 2015 G550. The noise has progressively worsened over time. Now, I can hear the squeaking from inside the car while driving straight at any speed, especially when the road is uneven. If I go over bumps or potholes with the windows open, I also hear a small clanking noise.
Additionally, I can feel a slight sensation in the steering wheel whenever the squeaking or clanking occurs. I'm wondering if this issue might be related to the springs or shocks, or if it's more likely a driveshaft problem. It seems to only be affecting the driver side.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Mike
I've been hearing some squeaking and clanking noises coming from the front end on the driver side of my 2015 G550. The noise has progressively worsened over time. Now, I can hear the squeaking from inside the car while driving straight at any speed, especially when the road is uneven. If I go over bumps or potholes with the windows open, I also hear a small clanking noise.
Additionally, I can feel a slight sensation in the steering wheel whenever the squeaking or clanking occurs. I'm wondering if this issue might be related to the springs or shocks, or if it's more likely a driveshaft problem. It seems to only be affecting the driver side.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Mike
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 299
From: Houston, TX
Built 2008 G55 & one big 80 Series LandCruiser !
A few options on this - I chased a few similar....
- Swaybar bushings...
- Slop or slack in steering box
- low fluid or bad Steering stab.
- wheel bearings / axle halfshafts
- shock bushing ( my case at 92 on OEM shocks)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 2
2009 S450 4Matic, 2015 G550
- Replaced all 6 sway bar bushings
- Checked the steering fluid—it's clean and full
- Installed a new steering stabilizer, which fixed the death wobble but not the squeaking/clanking
I haven't checked the axle halfshafts and bearings. The sound isn’t consistent—if the road is flat enough, there’s no noise. However, on roads with bumps and depressions, the noise occurs depending on how severe the bumps or depressions are.
I'm planning a 10-hour round road trip this week. I don't mind the noise—I’ve been living with it for a few months already, and the car drives fine otherwise. Besides, the G-Wagon already has many other noises. I just hope nothing serious will go wrong during the trip.
Any further advice would be greatly appreciated!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 849
Likes: 507
From: NJ/NYC
2005 G55K
I have also had a similar kind of squeak for a long time.
Mine sounds almost like the hood squeak, but only happens over sharp bumps, both when going straight or turning. I've noticed that it is really isolated to when the left and right wheels (front) are moving at different rates/oscillating. So it doesn't happen over things like expansion joints and even bumps. Also, my steering system does get quite a shake over the rough roads and that vibration does work its way into the cabin, sometimes worse than others depending on the road conditions.
I've gone through everything, like literally everything, and haven't been able to figure it out. The last things to do now for me is to replace my shocks (3/4 of my Fox 2.0's are leaking) and to regrease my front offset caster poly bushings.
When I do replace my shocks, I'll be doing some more digging as I'll have lots of things apart.
Mine sounds almost like the hood squeak, but only happens over sharp bumps, both when going straight or turning. I've noticed that it is really isolated to when the left and right wheels (front) are moving at different rates/oscillating. So it doesn't happen over things like expansion joints and even bumps. Also, my steering system does get quite a shake over the rough roads and that vibration does work its way into the cabin, sometimes worse than others depending on the road conditions.
I've gone through everything, like literally everything, and haven't been able to figure it out. The last things to do now for me is to replace my shocks (3/4 of my Fox 2.0's are leaking) and to regrease my front offset caster poly bushings.
When I do replace my shocks, I'll be doing some more digging as I'll have lots of things apart.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 2
2009 S450 4Matic, 2015 G550
I have also had a similar kind of squeak for a long time.
Mine sounds almost like the hood squeak, but only happens over sharp bumps, both when going straight or turning. I've noticed that it is really isolated to when the left and right wheels (front) are moving at different rates/oscillating. So it doesn't happen over things like expansion joints and even bumps. Also, my steering system does get quite a shake over the rough roads and that vibration does work its way into the cabin, sometimes worse than others depending on the road conditions.
I've gone through everything, like literally everything, and haven't been able to figure it out. The last things to do now for me is to replace my shocks (3/4 of my Fox 2.0's are leaking) and to regrease my front offset caster poly bushings.
When I do replace my shocks, I'll be doing some more digging as I'll have lots of things apart.
Mine sounds almost like the hood squeak, but only happens over sharp bumps, both when going straight or turning. I've noticed that it is really isolated to when the left and right wheels (front) are moving at different rates/oscillating. So it doesn't happen over things like expansion joints and even bumps. Also, my steering system does get quite a shake over the rough roads and that vibration does work its way into the cabin, sometimes worse than others depending on the road conditions.
I've gone through everything, like literally everything, and haven't been able to figure it out. The last things to do now for me is to replace my shocks (3/4 of my Fox 2.0's are leaking) and to regrease my front offset caster poly bushings.
When I do replace my shocks, I'll be doing some more digging as I'll have lots of things apart.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 2
2009 S450 4Matic, 2015 G550
Maybe I should do that also, I have watched a few youtube videos it looks like an easy DIY, what kind of grease I should get for it?
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 2
2009 S450 4Matic, 2015 G550
Just an update:
I filled the ball swivel with new grease, but it didn't seem to fix the squeak. Today, I took it to my mechanic, and we checked all the visible moving joints at the front axle, but none of them made any noise. We didn't check the CV since it's inside the swivel. He suggested trying a new shock, as the side with the old shock is the one making the squeak now. Hopefully, a new shock will fix the problem. I guess I have no choice but to tackle this one step at a time.
I filled the ball swivel with new grease, but it didn't seem to fix the squeak. Today, I took it to my mechanic, and we checked all the visible moving joints at the front axle, but none of them made any noise. We didn't check the CV since it's inside the swivel. He suggested trying a new shock, as the side with the old shock is the one making the squeak now. Hopefully, a new shock will fix the problem. I guess I have no choice but to tackle this one step at a time.
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