Front driver's side creaking and clunk
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
2013 GL550
Front driver's side creaking and clunk
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!
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!
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 189
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
2013 GL550
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.
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.
Last edited by robbie59; Sep 12, 2022 at 01:51 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
2015 GL 350
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.
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.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
2013 GL550
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$$ and installed it in about an hour. So far no more annoying sounds and drives good as new. Hope this solved it.
See the video
See the video
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 46
Likes: 5
From: Arlington TX
2013 GL450
I had creaking and clunking after replacing struts. Eventually replaced sway bar links problem gone and ride feels so much better never expected end links would have that much effect. Super easy to replace removing tire is hardest part. Recommend tighten bolt at sway bar with wheel on and lowered with weight on suspension. Used lemforder parts fro fcp-euro.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 306
Likes: 78
gl450
Update. I took apart the entire drivers side suspension components looking for the reason for the creaking and clunking. I found the lower control arm carrier bushing was loose and spinning on the arm. I don’t think it’s supposed to do that. I grabbed a new one from the dealer$$ 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
See the video
Thanks!
Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 150
Likes: 23
2017 GLS450, 2013 GL450, RIP 2011 GL450 (totalled)
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.....
My engine mounts are old but don't think they could make this thing sound like a '88 Ford Tempo.....
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 12
2003 E320 4matic wagon
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 150
Likes: 23
2017 GLS450, 2013 GL450, RIP 2011 GL450 (totalled)
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.
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.
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 12
2003 E320 4matic wagon
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
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
Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 150
Likes: 23
2017 GLS450, 2013 GL450, RIP 2011 GL450 (totalled)
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...
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...
Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 150
Likes: 23
2017 GLS450, 2013 GL450, RIP 2011 GL450 (totalled)
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....
