W220 Front suspension noise
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 11
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'04 S430, '06 E350 4matic Wagon
W220 Front suspension noise
I have a 2004 S430 two wheel drive, with 95,000 miles. Clean all around, runs very nicely since 19,000 miles. When I ride over small irregularities in the road there's a knocking noise coming from the left front. Doesn't happen over larger bumps or cracks. One mechanic says I need new lower control arms, and another says try tie rod links and bushings first. Do any of you guys have any ideas?
Any help greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Fredo
Any help greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Fredo
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 3
2003 S430
Sway bar link bushing...?
There are a bunch of posts about sway bar link bushings tearing, or otherwise failing, which causes front end knocks/noise. With my '03 S430, it's "chicken or egg" but I believe my torn link bushings caused ball joints to fail soon after.
With the age of the car, & if you find failed bushings or joints, I suggest you replace all your front end arms & links. If you can do the work yourself, you'll save thousands. It's so much easier to pull the entire assembly once then to go back in as each joint fails. If you need to have a shop do the work, you will still save money in the end.
I have a feeling the 13 year mark is when the W220 front end joints give up.
With the age of the car, & if you find failed bushings or joints, I suggest you replace all your front end arms & links. If you can do the work yourself, you'll save thousands. It's so much easier to pull the entire assembly once then to go back in as each joint fails. If you need to have a shop do the work, you will still save money in the end.
I have a feeling the 13 year mark is when the W220 front end joints give up.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 470
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2006 W220 S65 AMG
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 28
2014 E63s
It's funny you mention this, all 3 of my w220 have the clunk. I suspect it is subframe bushing as well. My S55 is getting sub-frame bushing installed this week in the rear and diff bushings. If noise is still there I will replace the 8 rear control and thrust arms. Will report back!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 470
Likes: 25
2006 W220 S65 AMG
Cool. Let me know.
Btw, how easy or difficult is it too replace the rear subframe bushings?
Edit: in my S65, the clunking from the rear sounds something similar to the front with worn ball joints. Not as prevalent however. Only happens when traversing rough ground slowly. Could be subframe bushings but I doubt it. I'd hear a clunk on acceleration/deceleration if it were. This sounds more like suspension... or possibly one of my headrests flopping about in the back.
Btw, how easy or difficult is it too replace the rear subframe bushings?
Edit: in my S65, the clunking from the rear sounds something similar to the front with worn ball joints. Not as prevalent however. Only happens when traversing rough ground slowly. Could be subframe bushings but I doubt it. I'd hear a clunk on acceleration/deceleration if it were. This sounds more like suspension... or possibly one of my headrests flopping about in the back.
Last edited by amstel78; Apr 3, 2017 at 03:09 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2012
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'04 S430, '06 E350 4matic Wagon
Thank you all for responding and ideas. I will have to go the piece by piece method. I can't tie up a space to work on it. (two other projects in the way) I will try the sway bars links and bushings first and post results
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