robbie59

Hello all,

2013 GL550 with 68k miles.

We are new owners and recently started hearing a faint one time clunk when accelerating at slow speeds (heard front drivers side). The one time clunk returns when I slow down to a stop. This also happens if I put it in neutral and slow to a stop.

Another issue, possibly related, is a terrible creaking sound (like a bed spring) in the drivers side front wheel area. The creaking is heard when driving or stopped. I can recreate the issue when standing on the running board and bouncing a little.

To troubleshoot these issues on the drivers side front, I had a new sway bar, sway end link, lower ball joint, and new Arnott strut replaced. The creaking and one time clunk are still there.

I've been reading every forum and can't decided what to do next. When doing repairs, everything looked good within the suspension. Any ideas? I'll post a video of the sound tomorrow. Thanks!

Cameron59!

Please delete

robbie59

I inspected the lower control arm bushing to the frame. I can feel a pretty good about of clicking when the car is rocked side to side. Anyone have experience with the lower arm bushings?

pjw1967

Yes pls post the sound. I have a clunking from the left front wheel for months. Dealer has checked twice and declared all well. Next step is to try to attach my GoPro where I can capture the problem. BTW 2014 with 88k.

robbie59

Please watch these videos for the clunking and clicking from my GL550.

These issue are still there after new lower ball joint, new Arnott strut, new sway bar, and end link..... Please keep in mind all the sounds were there before and after the replaced parts. When holding the bottom of the lower control arm, I can feel the vibration from the creaking.

Airmatic Strut Raise - https://gopro.com/v/NlER35MR78lRG
Creaking - https://gopro.com/v/ZNrEzdE305REp
Driving Creaking - https://gopro.com/v/m0ow9MoKGgnlv

I ordered a new lower control arm and hope that fixes my issues.

Eugene74

keep us informed

Cameron59!

Test

robbie59

Update. I took apart the entire drivers side suspension components looking for the reason for the creaking and clunking. I found the lower control arm carrier bushing was loose and spinning on the arm. I don’t think it’s supposed to do that. I grabbed a new one from the dealer$$ and installed it in about an hour. So far no more annoying sounds and drives good as new. Hope this solved it.

See the video

Packrat555

I had creaking and clunking after replacing struts. Eventually replaced sway bar links problem gone and ride feels so much better never expected end links would have that much effect. Super easy to replace removing tire is hardest part. Recommend tighten bolt at sway bar with wheel on and lowered with weight on suspension. Used lemforder parts fro fcp-euro.

frogger42

Delete

frogger42

Had same issue. Knocking started after replacing front struts. Found this post, replaced both sway bar links and now problem solved!

mtm

Do you by chance have the torque specs for all the bolts on the lower control arms? I'm about to replace both sides.

Thanks!

mcoady1

Mine is sounding pretty terrible too - mainly when going over a deep depression at low speeds and the car depresses downward on the suspension. Sounds like a groaning with simultaneous clunking. I suspect its either the Arnott struts or the control arm carrier bushing as robbie59 stated. Sway bar links are new and struts are a little over a year old.

My engine mounts are old but don't think they could make this thing sound like a '88 Ford Tempo.....

L&N Caravan

Assuming gl550 front sway bar link part # is: 1663201200?
Same part # both sides?

Any other part #’s replaced at the same time such as the polyurethane bushings on the sway bar bracket?

I like to reuse OEM hw, usually better quality.

mcoady1

Only the sway bar link in my case, I used LEMFÖRDER 3713501 which I believe is the MB part you posted - same part for both sides.

My suspicion is that its the Arnott struts that are a little over a year old, and clunking coming from internals near the strut mount.

mtm

Just a note - sway bar end links are not the same for both sides. Different part numbers for right and left sides.

They are even marked L and R

L&N Caravan

Looking forward to getting rid of the clunk clunk noise. Thank you all.

Ordered:
a. from Mercedes star parts for the front:
1. 166-320-11-00 Stabilizer Link $70, Left
2. 166-320-12-00 Stabilizer Link $70, Right
b. from FCP Euro for the rear:
- Lemforder 164-320-1232 same for L and R, $30 each

Will be rebuilding front & rear upper/lower with new struts, bushings, etc. will take photos and post results. 2015 GL w/ 205k miles. Looking forward to many more as we really enjoy this vehicle. Cheers

mcoady1

My mistake - you are correct. I ordered LEMFÖRDER 3713501 and 3713601 for sway bar links.

L&N Caravan

Which vendors do folks typically order from? Trying to spend less of course

mcoady1

Rockauto! It is low cost no frills auto parts site

L&N Caravan

Will try them out. Others?

mtm

FCP Euro - always had perfect service from them, very good packaging and quick shipping

mcoady1

I found a pair of OEM factory struts with a few hundred miles and had them put on instead of the Arnott. The shock absorption is much improved however the groaning and creaking remains. Sway bar links new, lower control arms replaced in 2020...has anyone replaced the sway bar bushings? It appears MB does not offer the bushings alone but only the entire sway bar with bushings attached. There are lots of Amazon options for bushings only but can't tell if they're sketch Chinese or similar...

The clunk/groan is audible when car goes over the long depression and the frame pushes downward. I may start spraying various areas of the suspension one by one with silicone lubricant to see if I can pinpoint noise further...

mcoady1

Alright, think I've narrowed it down to the upper control arms. Sprayed the sway bar bushing with silicon lubricant and sound remained. Sprayed the upper control arm bushings and ball joint and noise is almost gone. Looks like I will be replacing the upper control arms soon....