SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Clunking noise in front suspension
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
BMW M5 / SL55 AMG
Clunking noise in front suspension
Hi All -
Have started hearing a clunk from the front of the car when going over bumps in my 2004 Sl 55 (really noticeable when over a speed bump at low speed).
Ball joints? I hear the lower ball joints are part of the suspension strut and can not be replaced - is this true?
Any good aftermarket items to research?
thanks!
Have started hearing a clunk from the front of the car when going over bumps in my 2004 Sl 55 (really noticeable when over a speed bump at low speed).
Ball joints? I hear the lower ball joints are part of the suspension strut and can not be replaced - is this true?
Any good aftermarket items to research?
thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
Mercedes SL65 AMG
Front Suspension
Be surprised if the ball joints cannot be replaced...
I know lower control arms are a common problem with these cars and almost always have to be replaced within the first 10 years, but, that's more of a knocking sound when you turn the steering wheel. Easy to distinguish.
Sounds like it could be the shocks, have those been checked out?
I know lower control arms are a common problem with these cars and almost always have to be replaced within the first 10 years, but, that's more of a knocking sound when you turn the steering wheel. Easy to distinguish.
Sounds like it could be the shocks, have those been checked out?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Could be a ball joint, but I'll bet 10:1 it is the inner bushing on the lower control arm. These typically last 50-75K miles, and can be pressed in. You can buy a tool to DIY for about $160. Ball joints need to be removed at the outer end of the arm to pull the arm.
The arms are more expensive, but can also be swapped. I've done the bushings on both of my AMG's.
Pull the lower panel and inspect right under the engine. If cracked, they need to be replaced ASAP as the wear can reach the subframe and cause major ($$$) damage.
The arms are more expensive, but can also be swapped. I've done the bushings on both of my AMG's.
Pull the lower panel and inspect right under the engine. If cracked, they need to be replaced ASAP as the wear can reach the subframe and cause major ($$$) damage.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 239
From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
Hi All -
Have started hearing a clunk from the front of the car when going over bumps in my 2004 Sl 55 (really noticeable when over a speed bump at low speed).
Ball joints? I hear the lower ball joints are part of the suspension strut and can not be replaced - is this true?
Any good aftermarket items to research?
thanks!
Have started hearing a clunk from the front of the car when going over bumps in my 2004 Sl 55 (really noticeable when over a speed bump at low speed).
Ball joints? I hear the lower ball joints are part of the suspension strut and can not be replaced - is this true?
Any good aftermarket items to research?
thanks!
As mentioned, lower arm inner bushing are a common fail item (and not particularly hard to replace if you have a shop press). However, if memory serves, mine made more of scrape/whine than a clunk when they let go.
A decent alignment shop would likely be able to shed some light on this shortly after getting it up on a lift.
You may also want to check all the chassis stiffening straps for tight hardware.
hope that helps,
Chris
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
