Front clunking sound
Thread Starter
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2008 R350
Front clunking sound
I would think this is suspension related. Clunking sound when driving around neighborhood roads and parking lots over bumps, not so much on the free way and higher speeds. Merc Dlr diaged aftermarket brake pads as the culprit. Never heard pads make this type of noise. Thanks in advance, thoughts?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 4
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2008 R350
I would think this is suspension related. Clunking sound when driving around neighborhood roads and parking lots over bumps, not so much on the free way and higher speeds. Merc Dlr diaged aftermarket brake pads as the culprit. Never heard pads make this type of noise. Thanks in advance, thoughts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 443
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
Poorly fitted pads or worn disks can be noisy. Does the noise change if you press the brake pedal?
The key suspension areas in these models that fail are:
1. Lower Control Arm bushes
2. Upper control arm buses (these do clunk a lot)
3. Sway bar bushes
4. Sway bar links.
3 and 4 are DIYs and 2 is as well. 1. is much harder. If its 1 or 2, don't waste time changing bushes, just change the arms. I did all of mine and it stopped the clunking and transformed the ride. W164 and x164 forums have plenty of posts on this.
The key suspension areas in these models that fail are:
1. Lower Control Arm bushes
2. Upper control arm buses (these do clunk a lot)
3. Sway bar bushes
4. Sway bar links.
3 and 4 are DIYs and 2 is as well. 1. is much harder. If its 1 or 2, don't waste time changing bushes, just change the arms. I did all of mine and it stopped the clunking and transformed the ride. W164 and x164 forums have plenty of posts on this.
Last edited by BlackML550; Mar 18, 2024 at 08:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2008 R350
Poorly fitted pads or worn disks can be noisy. Does the noise change if you press the brake pedal?
The key suspension areas in these models that fail are:
1. Lower Control Arm bushes
2. Upper control arm buses (these do clunk a lot)
3. Sway bar bushes
4. Sway bar links.
3 and 4 are DIYs and 2 is as well. 1. is much harder. If its 1 or 2, don't waste time changing bushes, just change the arms. I did all of mine and it stopped the clunking and transforned the ride. W164 and x164 forums have plenty of posts on this.
The key suspension areas in these models that fail are:
1. Lower Control Arm bushes
2. Upper control arm buses (these do clunk a lot)
3. Sway bar bushes
4. Sway bar links.
3 and 4 are DIYs and 2 is as well. 1. is much harder. If its 1 or 2, don't waste time changing bushes, just change the arms. I did all of mine and it stopped the clunking and transforned the ride. W164 and x164 forums have plenty of posts on this.
Great info, thank you!
No noise from brakes driving or applying pressure, clunking noise only present over bumps and slower neighborhood driving
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 443
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
The suspension matters I've noted in the previous post (1-4) are usually only noticable when your suspension is moving up and down. If you've got a clunking noise at other times, then something is loose as opposed to worn, and that could be a big safety issue that you should get checked as a matter of urgency.
Last edited by BlackML550; Mar 20, 2024 at 07:16 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2024
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2008 R350
If your brakes are working effectively, then its unlikely to be braking issue based on the symptoms you've noted. Clunking on these cars usually occurs when there is suspension travel. You say going over humps, but then say 'slower driving'. Do you hear a clunk when you're driving slowly but the suspension is not moving/travelling?
The suspension matters I've noted in the previous post (1-4) are usually only noticable when your suspension is moving up and down. If you've got a clunking noise at other times, then something is loose as opposed to worn, and that could be a big safety issue that you should get checked as a matter of urgency.
The suspension matters I've noted in the previous post (1-4) are usually only noticable when your suspension is moving up and down. If you've got a clunking noise at other times, then something is loose as opposed to worn, and that could be a big safety issue that you should get checked as a matter of urgency.
After driving the R350 the last 2 days, def not the brakes they work great. The more I drive it, I am convinced the noise is coming from the dash almost like something is loose and moving around. Sometimes you can hit a bump or a manhole cover and hear the noise and other times there is no noise. Happens during regular driving and neighborhood driving. No noise with steering input, it is driving great. Thanks in advance for responses.
