I recently purchased a 2009 ML63 AMG with 67,000 miles. It is a one owner in great shape - except...it had a clunky front suspension.

First replaced the sway bar end links - no improvement.

Then replaced both front shocks with Arnott Ind AIRmatic replacement units - FIXED!

The car drove fantastic and was as quiet as it should be up front. Both repairs were done by a local independent mechanic.

About 1 week passes, then today I took the car by the dealer because they told me they could swap out a light bulb due to an error that came up.

While at the MB dealership, they recalibrated the suspension because it looked like it was dipping a bit at the right front when parked (It was hard to notice really).

Drove off and guess what - I now have a new front suspension noise.

When driving toward home on secondary roads, say pulling into a parking lot while slowing down from 45 mph - the front suspension pops noticeably - maybe like a binding sound and release type of sound. It seems to come from both sides, but I really notice it consistently when turning right.

I immediately brought it back to the dealer and they said they would have to dig into it and had no explanation. That sounds expensive! They said they simply plugged into the onboard computer and let the system calibrate - never had it off the ground or put a wrench on it.

My experience with the independent mechanic was that he really didn't seem to diagnose very well so I am hesitant to bring it back to him to sort it out.

I also don't want to pay dealer prices to begin the hunt for what is going on.

Does anyone have a clue what would cause a W164 ML with AIRmatic suspension with brand new Arnott front struts and sway bar links to suddenly have a steering/suspension binding, popping noise when turning at non-highway speeds?

 

Hello GoPwr, I also have a 2009ML63 which I replaced all 4 corners with Arnott air struts and a new compressor. The first thing I would check is the nylon air line on the top of the strut. The OEs pinch the line with a nut, but the Arnotts push in by hand and pull-back slightly to seat. It may be leaking air. I had that happen when I installed mine, made the same clunking noise. Couldn't see or hear it without using soapy water spray. The line pulled-out with only about 5lbs pull so I pushed it back-in with a slight twist and tug it back slightly. Re-air the system and checked with soapy water spray. Hope that's all it is for you. The air system really isn't that complicated, few parts in all.

 

Hi, I recently replaced all 4 shocks with Arnott along with Compressor and valve body. The ride has been silent - there are a few other unrelated rubber bushes which may be contributing to the noise - you could ask your indy to raise the vehicle and have a look at the other rubber bushings for cracks and wear. This may help.

 

thank you Benzconvert !. I will have to get it over to the shop and have them take a look. I don't do any of the suspension work myself. Seemed really odd that it was fine with brand new shocks then a dealer recalibration caused new problems.

I am am headed for a 1000 mile round trip for vacation Monday and wonder if the ML is up to it with this new problem.

 

thank you NRR - the independent told me there is nothing wrong after the shock replacement and he was somewhat correct, other than whatever was waiting to be an issue when calibration was done by the dealer. He is not a specialist so I may go to an Indy MB specialist next with Benzconvert's and your advice.

I was was so happy that the problem was fixed for a week after the shock replacement. The realization of new clunks after the dealer visit had steam coming out of my ears !

 

you are right -
I hear an air leak, but there is a nut around the tube and I may need a special tool to access the nut since there is a collar around the area. Not sure of the size, maybe 10mm? I may head to the store to see if there is a floppy head wrench so I can adjust/tighten it.