SL/R230: Clunking noise up front when I am backing up and cutting the wheel. Any guesses what
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 15
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From: Chicago Area
2014 E350 4-Matic Sport and 2003 SL500
Clunking noise up front when I am backing up and cutting the wheel. Any guesses what
Slow speed backing out of driveway, I hear a single clunk in the area of the front wheel as I am cutting the steering. Does not happen at higher speeds. Does not repeat itself once it happens. Any thoughts group? Thanks in advance.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
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SL500 R230
Check my latest topic, does it sound same?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 493
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From: Benton, Louisiana, USA
SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014
I will be checking the lower arm ball joint..! I already have replaced mine which after losing the rubber seal starts getting that ol' grinding dust and starts developing play which may occur when applying the brakes! Lift the car supporting the lower arm with a jack till the wheel is off the ground and move the wheel sideways!
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280SL
When I received my 2009 SL550 last year the 1st thing I noticed was a knock when turning the steering wheel. After researching this forum, I discovered a bulletin had been issued by MB. I did not want to believe what the recommended fix was but decided to do it anyway. The solution was to remove, clean, lubricate, and torque 5 bolts that attach the tubular X brace under the front of the car. In my case it was obvious that the front 2 and center bolts had been previously lubricated but the 2 rear bolts had not because it required additional work to remove the plastic underbody shield. Once complete, knock was gone and never returned. The bulletin also noted that when doing this procedure, the weight of the vehicle needed to rest on all 4 wheels. I raised the front wheels and set them on ramps to crawl underneath.
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Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Nothing wrong with checking parts for wear and play, but this loud knocking was solved on my car with the described greasing of the cross member joints. It knocked every time when backing up, it's been dead quiet for years now.
Last edited by Frederick NL; Feb 9, 2022 at 01:12 AM.
Member
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2007 CL550, 2005 SL500, 1984 380SL 1985 Mustang GT
does anyone have this bulletin? I have taken the cross bars off and lubed several times. it is really getting worse fast. Took the bars off and drove it and no noise. dont know what to torque the 5 bolts to. rest of the ball joints and bushing are newer and no wiggle from the tire new suspended
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Note that car must be standing on 4 wheels so as to tighten the struts under 'normal' circumstance.
Last edited by Frederick NL; Dec 26, 2024 at 06:55 AM.
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280SL
I think this is the thread I found that has the bulletin that describes the procedure. Torque to 12 nm.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...pension-2.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...pension-2.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
[QUOTE=doitwright;9087406]I think this is the thread I found that has the bulletin that describes the procedure. Torque to 12 nm.
Note multiple torque values in that bulletin.
Note multiple torque values in that bulletin.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 103
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2007 CL550, 2005 SL500, 1984 380SL 1985 Mustang GT
I tried the service bulletin and nothing , did it 3 times! hooked up microphones on all the ball joints and strut. heard the clunk at the control arm bushing in subframe. changed it and still clunking. Been driving me crazy for months. Today i was under it and the subframe bolt was a little loose, no more clunk. check it out back by cat converter
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Chicago Area
2014 E350 4-Matic Sport and 2003 SL500
Thank you all for your input on this ongoing problem for me. I thought a service call had taken care of it but the clunking still happens. Car is in storage for winter. A deeper dive is called for when I get it out. This is a great resource for owners of MB products.
