ANGMED

On bumps on the road, a very loud thump is heard on the back of my MB 1997 S500, (not battery or spare tire), not sure if it is the suspension strut (whole shuck absorber) or just the Strut Bump Stop, is there a way to know, thus, avoiding buying the wrong stuff. Your help really appreciated, thanks....

rsmcmahon

You can check the following if you do NOT have Self Leveling suspension.....

If you rear shock is loose, this can cause a "bumping" noise. If the shock mounting bolt has come loose at the rear, lower control arm; you can grap the shock from under the car and pull the shock back and forth and you will hear a "bumping" noise.

I would also check the shock mounting bolt that attaches to the frame. You can gain access by opening the trunk and removing the capret liner next to the rear wheel.

ghost

You can take it to an independant mechanic, and he can tell you if the shocks really, i mean really needs to be changed (i.e leaking bad).

Also, they could probably tell if the shock ball or shock absorber has lost air or nitrogen, and maybe thats the cause.

usually they will check it for free, and provide you with an estimate if you tell them can you please check my shocks and tlel me what needs fixing.

If you have self leveling rear shocks, and those need to be changed they could be really very expensive. I just replied to a post about shocks at

www.benzworld.org go to w140 forum , and check it out

good luck

ghost