SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Clunking noise in steering or front suspension..
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Colts Neck, NJ
08 CL600 Black
Clunking noise in steering or front suspension..
I've noticed a consistent clunking noise either in the steering or front suspension components of my 55. I can hear it when I'm maneuvering to a parking spot or going up my driveway/garage. It only starts making the noise when the car is barely moving and you're turning the wheel. I cannot hear it in normal driving speeds or even on a highway.
Anyone know what's wrong? I've already scheduled a dropoff at the dealer on Wednesday.
Anyone know what's wrong? I've already scheduled a dropoff at the dealer on Wednesday.
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From: Brisbane, Australia
C200K (w204)
Ask the dealer to check for the steering column which located just above your feet when u driving, u might have kicked that part while u driving. I used to overtighten that part and the ball joint or sth hit that plastic part everytime i steer the wheels.
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G55, SLS, smart eq
I don't know if it's the same as what you guys describe, but when the steering wheel is completely turned either way (e.g. whilst driving in/out a parking space), the track of the front wheels no longer seem to be in harmony. Thus one of the wheels will be dragged into the other wheels track. But this only happens when the steering wheel is (almost) completele turned one way (or the other). It seems to me as "by design".
I notice this most on 'slippery' garage floors.
Am I making any sense?
I notice this most on 'slippery' garage floors.
Am I making any sense?
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Colts Neck, NJ
08 CL600 Black
Just an update...
Dealer called me this afternoon....they can hear the noise but the tech can't figure out which part it is...LOL. So, they're keeping the car for another day.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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2005 SL65
jettie1767...
my CLK55 suffers that clunking noise during or just after braking, while or after turning, especially near either turn-lock. it was diagnosed as a brake caliper unloading issue.
first (selling) dealership claimed it was odd, but not outside normal limits.
second dealership said something's definitely wrong; schedule an appointment and reserve a loaner.
try to remember whether or not the noise occurred while turning, during or just after braking.
and please post your findings and results.
first (selling) dealership claimed it was odd, but not outside normal limits.
second dealership said something's definitely wrong; schedule an appointment and reserve a loaner.
try to remember whether or not the noise occurred while turning, during or just after braking.
and please post your findings and results.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 462
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From: By the City by the Bay, CA
2001 E320 (210.065), Brilliant Silver; 2002 Ducati ST-2, Arrest-me Red
Originally Posted by sprins
I don't know if it's the same as what you guys describe, but when the steering wheel is completely turned either way (e.g. whilst driving in/out a parking space), the track of the front wheels no longer seem to be in harmony. Thus one of the wheels will be dragged into the other wheels track. But this only happens when the steering wheel is (almost) completele turned one way (or the other). It seems to me as "by design".
I notice this most on 'slippery' garage floors.
Am I making any sense?
I notice this most on 'slippery' garage floors.
Am I making any sense?
This is indeed by design, essentially the steering geometry is designed so that as the degree of turn increases, the inside front wheel (left in a left turn, right in a right turn) moves into a tighter diameter turning arc than does the outside one. A substantial reason is because the diameter of the turn for the wheel on the inside is indeed smaller than the one the outside wheel is carving. Same reason you need a differential, and it helps the car turn in more quickly. Most cars do this to one degree (no pun intended) or another.
Hope you get a solution from the dealer, as well as for the other folks.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
Thread Starter
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From: Colts Neck, NJ
08 CL600 Black
Well, my dealer found the problem....the control arms that hold the suspension/struts were causing the noise. They parts arrived today and they installed it. They will test it tomorrow and hopefully everything is fixed!
Thread Starter
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From: Colts Neck, NJ
08 CL600 Black
The noise is gone! The dealer replaced the two control arms on the front suspension (one on each side). He said it's like a v-shaped aluminum rod that is part of the wheel and strut assembly.
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From: Malaysia
CL65 AMG '05
Not everyone's sound come from the same problem as Jettie. That sounded serious to replace things.
I just got my CL a month ago and had the some noise problem. Brought the car in to the dealership and took them just less then an hour to adjust something on the rack and pinion and the sound goes away. No replacement of parts or whatsoever.
I suggest you guys bring you car back to the dealership and leave the guessing game to the experts.
I just got my CL a month ago and had the some noise problem. Brought the car in to the dealership and took them just less then an hour to adjust something on the rack and pinion and the sound goes away. No replacement of parts or whatsoever.
I suggest you guys bring you car back to the dealership and leave the guessing game to the experts.
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From: Sydney, Australia
2017 S63 Coupe Iridium Silver
Originally Posted by jettie1767
I've noticed a consistent clunking noise either in the steering or front suspension components of my 55. I can hear it when I'm maneuvering to a parking spot or going up my driveway/garage. It only starts making the noise when the car is barely moving and you're turning the wheel. I cannot hear it in normal driving speeds or even on a highway.
Anyone know what's wrong? I've already scheduled a dropoff at the dealer on Wednesday.
Anyone know what's wrong? I've already scheduled a dropoff at the dealer on Wednesday.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 266
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2003 E55
Originally Posted by Rafal
It is a design issue with all pre-2005 E55/E500. All motor journo's keep referring to this steering rack kick-back and noise. Mercedes Benz has now rectified the problem on 2005 model. I am not sure if you can retro-fit or warranty claim on pre-2005. I know it's been upgraded for sure: I've replaced my noisy steering knock 2003 E500 with a 2005 E55 which has perfect steering plus 10% more direct rack just like CLS55.
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From: MIAMI, FL
www.wheelsboutique.com
wow.. this is so funny i was on my way to the dealer for the same noise my is really loud only when your sterring when stopped or going really slow ..high speeds okay ..this is so funny ..so what it the finaly verdict for the solution ( make sure the dealer doesnt brush me off )..thank you in advance. .. 
Member
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From: Fairhope, Al
2010 R8
Update
Dealer had car today but could not locate the problem/noise. Not as bad today. Temps are several degrees lower than last week when we really could hear it. Looks as though heat makes it more noticable.
Between this and the crap for tires I have I'm about ready to unload this for something else. Don't know what it would be though.
Jettie 1767,sent you a email, hope you got it and can reply.
Between this and the crap for tires I have I'm about ready to unload this for something else. Don't know what it would be though.
Jettie 1767,sent you a email, hope you got it and can reply.
Thread Starter
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From: Colts Neck, NJ
08 CL600 Black
Idye....didn' get your email. Please resend to jetskier@hotmail.com.
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From: South florida
sl500 2003, Rolls Phantom 2006, Gl450 2013, GLC300 2016,
Sl500 2000 r230 front suspension noise
I've noticed a consistent clunking noise either in the steering or front suspension components of my 55. I can hear it when I'm maneuvering to a parking spot or going up my driveway/garage. It only starts making the noise when the car is barely moving and you're turning the wheel. I cannot hear it in normal driving speeds or even on a highway.
Anyone know what's wrong? I've already scheduled a dropoff at the dealer on Wednesday.
Anyone know what's wrong? I've already scheduled a dropoff at the dealer on Wednesday.
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I had the same issue at nearly the same miles on my 03. I too had the lower control arms replaced, but also a bushing of some sort if I recall correctly. Sorry I can't recall more clearly.
