SL/R231: Suspension creaking and popping
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 117
Likes: 50
Suspension creaking and popping
For the past several months, I have a popping and/or creaking sound from the front suspension when driving slowly and turning the steering wheel, such as when backing out of the drive, making a right or left hand turn, etc. For the life of me, I can’t figure this out. The car is 11 years old, almost 63,000 miles, and has original suspension. Any ideas what to check?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 117
Likes: 50
Today, I pulled the wheels off today to check some of the suspension components, primarily the sway bar end links. Everything seems fine. Normally, when reinstalling, I use a torque limiting extension bar rated for 90 ft-lbs. I thought I had read somewhere the requirement was 89 ft-lbs, but I’m now thinking that I got confused with the requirement for my Audi. I double-checked the required torque setting on the SL and it is 96 ft-lbs.
So, with wheels on the ground, I got my torque wrench and torqued the wheel bolts to 96 ft-lbs. Since then, I have not had any suspension popping (though I haven't driven a lot). I'll keep an eye on things, but wouldn't that be a kicker if it was the wheel bolt torque causing the problem?
So, with wheels on the ground, I got my torque wrench and torqued the wheel bolts to 96 ft-lbs. Since then, I have not had any suspension popping (though I haven't driven a lot). I'll keep an eye on things, but wouldn't that be a kicker if it was the wheel bolt torque causing the problem?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
For the past several months, I have a popping and/or creaking sound from the front suspension when driving slowly and turning the steering wheel, such as when backing out of the drive, making a right or left hand turn, etc. For the life of me, I can’t figure this out. The car is 11 years old, almost 63,000 miles, and has original suspension. Any ideas what to check?
Today, I pulled the wheels off today to check some of the suspension components, primarily the sway bar end links. Everything seems fine. Normally, when reinstalling, I use a torque limiting extension bar rated for 90 ft-lbs. I thought I had read somewhere the requirement was 89 ft-lbs, but I’m now thinking that I got confused with the requirement for my Audi. I double-checked the required torque setting on the SL and it is 96 ft-lbs.
So, with wheels on the ground, I got my torque wrench and torqued the wheel bolts to 96 ft-lbs. Since then, I have not had any suspension popping (though I haven't driven a lot). I'll keep an eye on things, but wouldn't that be a kicker if it was the wheel bolt torque causing the problem?
So, with wheels on the ground, I got my torque wrench and torqued the wheel bolts to 96 ft-lbs. Since then, I have not had any suspension popping (though I haven't driven a lot). I'll keep an eye on things, but wouldn't that be a kicker if it was the wheel bolt torque causing the problem?
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Apr 29, 2026 at 08:21 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
not likely the same thing but ... https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...on-4matic.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 117
Likes: 50
Thanks, but no, not like mine. No clicking sound, but more of a creaking and occasional pop. Some AI said to check the upper strut bearing. But as I said above, since I torqued the wheel bots to 96 ft-lb (130 Nm), the noise has stopped.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
Glad to hear! Glad to hear that the annoying sound didn't come back!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 117
Likes: 50
UPDATE: The creaking has diminished mostly, but I did hear it again. It happens when driving slowly and changing directions, turning, backing up, etc. So, I got to thinking what else could it be. Then I remembered that this “problem” was pretty recent. And, I changed my pads and rotors just as recently. So, I decided to torque the calipers to the steering knuckle (the calipers and carrier are one piece) to the specified amount, which is 80 Nm (59 ft-lbs) plus 45°. Before, I just torqued them to Guten Tighten. Well, Guten Tighten was no where near what they needed to be, especially that last 45°. I am happy to say that I’ve driven the car a couple of times in the same place and way that caused the creaking/popping sound before and no more sound.
The moral of the story is to always follow the recommended torque settings using a torque wrench and not by feel.
The moral of the story is to always follow the recommended torque settings using a torque wrench and not by feel.
Last edited by PotatoHeadII; May 6, 2026 at 10:07 PM.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,534
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Great news!
In the future if you like more involvement you might want to provide more info. What model and which suspension you have(springs or ABC), etc. Easily helps with troubleshooting...
In the future if you like more involvement you might want to provide more info. What model and which suspension you have(springs or ABC), etc. Easily helps with troubleshooting...
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
UPDATE: The creaking has diminished mostly, but I did hear it again. It happens when driving slowly and changing directions, turning, backing up, etc. So, I got to thinking what else could it be. Then I remembered that this “problem” was pretty recent. And, I changed my pads and rotors just as recently. So, I decided to torque the calipers to the steering knuckle (the calipers and carrier are one piece) to the specified amount, which is 80 Nm (59 ft-lbs) plus 45°. Before, I just torqued them to Guten Tighten. Well, Guten Tighten was no where near what they needed to be, especially that last 45°. I am happy to say that I’ve driven the car a couple of times in the same place and way that caused the creaking/popping sound before and no more sound.
The moral of the story is to always follow the recommended torque settings using a torque wrench and not by feel.
The moral of the story is to always follow the recommended torque settings using a torque wrench and not by feel.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 117
Likes: 50
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
SL 63
Ball joints you have a dry ball joint or tie rod end. This is typical on 11-year-old
When you hear it you need the help somebody to turn the steering wheel and somebody to put their hand on each joint. While you do it to figure out which one is dry then replace the ball joint or in this case replace the arm
