rear suspension squeaking/creaking
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 348
Likes: 60
2004 E55 AMG / 2019 Audi Q7 / 1991 300TE
rear suspension squeaking/creaking
i recently started noticing a creaking noise coming from my right rear suspension and haven't found much on the forums about this issue. although i'm not positive, it seems to go away when the car is in the raised mode.
a couple things to note recently that may have something to do with it:
1. i took the car where i doubt many e55's have been before - camping. i was on a dirt/grass path with the suspension raised and i wonder if a pebble made it's way in somewhere it shouldn't be. saw some posts in the w210 forum mentioning an issue like this
2. i replaced both rear struts in July. Arnott directions showed that you should remove the strut rod bolt & loosen but not remove the airbag bolt but i skipped this part since i didn't see the point. is it possible i caused some tensions somewhere by not doing this?
a couple things to note recently that may have something to do with it:
1. i took the car where i doubt many e55's have been before - camping. i was on a dirt/grass path with the suspension raised and i wonder if a pebble made it's way in somewhere it shouldn't be. saw some posts in the w210 forum mentioning an issue like this
2. i replaced both rear struts in July. Arnott directions showed that you should remove the strut rod bolt & loosen but not remove the airbag bolt but i skipped this part since i didn't see the point. is it possible i caused some tensions somewhere by not doing this?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 496
Likes: 42
From: Sweden
W211 e500 (Sold), w204 c180, w203 c180, w201 190e, W219 CLS 55
Creaking usually comes from bushes or balljoint. With the car in the air, see if you can find any play in the bushes using an iron bar. If not, spray them with silicon lube and see if it goes away.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 348
Likes: 60
2004 E55 AMG / 2019 Audi Q7 / 1991 300TE
Thanks I’ll take a look
any idea on the difficulty of the job? If I can wait I’ll do it when I’m at my parents in November. Unfortunately I’m at an apartment with no tools
any idea on the difficulty of the job? If I can wait I’ll do it when I’m at my parents in November. Unfortunately I’m at an apartment with no tools
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 496
Likes: 42
From: Sweden
W211 e500 (Sold), w204 c180, w203 c180, w201 190e, W219 CLS 55
It depends. For both replacement of airmatic spring/sturt and control arms you need a decent set of handtools and the ability to lift the car on jackstands.
If you need to change bushings in knuckel you need at lest a handheld ball joint press. There are specfic handheld mercedes press for that job, cost around 100 usd.
Begin with a visual inspection and feel if there is any play in any of the bushes using a iron bar/fork or similar. If you can't find anything, just spray with silicon lube and see if it goes away.
If you find a bad bush where you can replace the whole arm you only need to remove bolts and replace. Some control arms affect alignment and uses exentric bolts. Mark them before you take them off so everything goes back the same.
Here is an article about the lower control arm without airmatic. The lower control arm is more involved than other control arms since it holds the spring and shock but you get an idea what tools you need.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
If you need to change bushings in knuckel you need at lest a handheld ball joint press. There are specfic handheld mercedes press for that job, cost around 100 usd.
Begin with a visual inspection and feel if there is any play in any of the bushes using a iron bar/fork or similar. If you can't find anything, just spray with silicon lube and see if it goes away.
If you find a bad bush where you can replace the whole arm you only need to remove bolts and replace. Some control arms affect alignment and uses exentric bolts. Mark them before you take them off so everything goes back the same.
Here is an article about the lower control arm without airmatic. The lower control arm is more involved than other control arms since it holds the spring and shock but you get an idea what tools you need.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,611
Likes: 1,209
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
OP also be sure the captive nuts in the chassis have not pulled out. They just attach the rear subframe to the car. Happens. When it does cut a hole in the car with the plasma cutter to gain access. Weld a new nut to an 1/8" plate cut to shape and weld it all up. Pain to do but no choice when it happens.
