Hugo L.

My left front suspension is making these clunking noises when I hit any kind of bump/hole, and our streets make Kabul look like a pool table.

So I'm probably going to buy some new struts. My question is, do I have to change the strut tops (aka top hats) too? The car has 179 kms (110k miles).

ecohen2

You are probably right about the struts, but I had a similar noise and it turned out to be bad bushings. When you come to a hard stop or go over a speed bump does the car bounce more than once?

Mmr1

Have someone actually check all the components for movement so you know what’s bad. I ended up replacing most everything. Shop for price after you figure out what’s wrong.

Silver Shadow

I'm having the same issue. You can usually tell a strut is gone by visually inspecting it. If there's oily residue filled with sand and dirt stuck to the outside, it's done. I'm going to check it out before ordering any parts, that can get expensive.

andreigbs

Clunking could be many things, not least of which struts or strut mounts. Although when mounts go bad, they creak and pop when you turn the wheels. I would replace both strut and mount.

You could also have some worn out ball joint or tie rod ends. I would take it to a good Indy shop that can get underneath it and inspect every individual component.

Mmr1

Buy parts from FCP euro, life time warranty and they use your vin so you get the right parts . I stayed with mb struts, I was told other all other brands have a 50% chance of giving a stiffer ride which I didn’t want. I replaced the struts but my problem was control arms and links.

Hugo L.

Both right front control arms were changed in early 2020 and the left front ones were changed late last year. So all ball joints and bushings are good. The sway bar endlinks have been changed by me twice since I've had the car, the last time being last summer.

I'll look into FCP Euro, but I'm in Canada. Exchange rate and customs fees can be a deal breaker. Rockauto has been a lifesaver. I don't mind a stiffer ride, I've always felt that the GLK was too soft. My other car is an Abarth 500C, aka a go-cart on wheels, so pretty much everything feels soft.

andreigbs

If you're replaced most everything else, then it might be time for struts and mounts.

glkoffroad

what was the problem? if u got it figured out...