Bad creaking noise after new struts
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
2017 E400 Wagon-Renntech ECU tune
Bad creaking noise after new struts
I acquired a 2017 E400 wagon in Feb with 123k miles. There was a clunk in the left front and squeaks when turning the steering wheel so based on the mileage, I installed new Bilstein B4 struts and new strut mounts, all fasteners replaced and torqued to spec. The strut mounts do not have a rubber bushing on the top like other German cars I've worked but I swapped them while the assemblies were apart. Control arm bushings looked good with no signs of cracking or excessive movement. The front end was tight and quiet for almost 2k miles including a 1000 mile round trip.
This week, a very loud creaking has returned, only on the drivers side front and triggered when turning the steering wheel as well as when the body shifts at low speeds, e.g. when backing up and braking.
I did not change the coil spring shim since it's a hard plastic part and didn't seem like it would be an issue with age. I did notice that the shims were covered in grease and the service history showed the servicing MB dealer had tried to address some front end creaking. I cleaned them up and applied a modest amount of silicone before reassembly.
I really don't want to pull the strut assemblies again so hoping to get some advice from others before doing so.
This week, a very loud creaking has returned, only on the drivers side front and triggered when turning the steering wheel as well as when the body shifts at low speeds, e.g. when backing up and braking.
I did not change the coil spring shim since it's a hard plastic part and didn't seem like it would be an issue with age. I did notice that the shims were covered in grease and the service history showed the servicing MB dealer had tried to address some front end creaking. I cleaned them up and applied a modest amount of silicone before reassembly.
I really don't want to pull the strut assemblies again so hoping to get some advice from others before doing so.
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Joined: Feb 2017
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
I acquired a 2017 E400 wagon in Feb with 123k miles. There was a clunk in the left front and squeaks when turning the steering wheel so based on the mileage, I installed new Bilstein B4 struts and new strut mounts, all fasteners replaced and torqued to spec. The strut mounts do not have a rubber bushing on the top like other German cars I've worked but I swapped them while the assemblies were apart. Control arm bushings looked good with no signs of cracking or excessive movement. The front end was tight and quiet for almost 2k miles including a 1000 mile round trip.
This week, a very loud creaking has returned, only on the drivers side front and triggered when turning the steering wheel as well as when the body shifts at low speeds, e.g. when backing up and braking.
I did not change the coil spring shim since it's a hard plastic part and didn't seem like it would be an issue with age. I did notice that the shims were covered in grease and the service history showed the servicing MB dealer had tried to address some front end creaking. I cleaned them up and applied a modest amount of silicone before reassembly.
I really don't want to pull the strut assemblies again so hoping to get some advice from others before doing so.
This week, a very loud creaking has returned, only on the drivers side front and triggered when turning the steering wheel as well as when the body shifts at low speeds, e.g. when backing up and braking.
I did not change the coil spring shim since it's a hard plastic part and didn't seem like it would be an issue with age. I did notice that the shims were covered in grease and the service history showed the servicing MB dealer had tried to address some front end creaking. I cleaned them up and applied a modest amount of silicone before reassembly.
I really don't want to pull the strut assemblies again so hoping to get some advice from others before doing so.
Spray one connection at a time to locate it. Steering related creaks can often point to ball joints or a tie rod end.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
2017 E400 Wagon-Renntech ECU tune
I'm not sure what clocking the suspension means. I did inspect all suspension joints for signs of cracked bushings and excessive play, used new fasteners, and tightened to factory torque specs with the vehicle at ride height. I'll try spraying components one-by-one as suggested.
