Rehabguy

I noticed twd the end of winter that there would be a squeaking/ creaking noise coming front the driver's side front end while driving in low speeds over uneven pavement. Did a search yesterday and found a few old threads from the w211 forum and 1-2 newer ones from the w212 forum. Most were about just this, squeaking coming from driver's side. Some get the squeak while simply turning the steering side to side even while stationary. Some replaced lower ball joints and solved the problem, others replaced struts (which did NOT solve their problem) and ultimately had strut bearings greased and made the noise go away. In the case of the threads from the w211 forums, they were cars that at the time were showing 60K+ on the clock. In my case, as the title says, I am at 30K. Creak is definitely in driver's side. Turning side to side while stationary does NOT make noise. Seems to be more apparent when warm (wasn't there in the winter. It warmed up and the noise appeared. It cooled down and the noise disappeared. Contrary to what all posts I found reported [noise when cold]). It's now 87 degrees in NY and I can reproduce the noise by pushing down on the car or by lifting the car up and letting it settle down by the fender (as gently as it is humanly possible, of course). Before I go out and get ball joints, have you guys and gals any other ideas? TIA.

amgcb

I have these same symptoms with mine, was also around the 30k mark I started to notice it.

Rehabguy

What's your mileage now? Has it gotten worse since? Notice anything other than noise while driving?

amgcb

37k. I wouldn't say its gotten worse, its just annoying creaks when going over windy roads or taking turns at slower/city speeds. I will probably bring it to the dealers attention when I bring it in for warranty work.

Boostaddict

Rehabguy

Good to hear that it doesn't worsen. Say, today, Temps in NY have descended back down to 60's (80's yesterday) And as I had mentioned, the noise is noticeably lessened when cool and worsens when warm. Please post an update on this thread should your dealer solve this problem.

Yes, I too suspect the culprit is a suspension component... thing is... which??

jnolan

Rehabguy

Did you only have the driver's side changed? Thanks for your input.

jnolan

ItalianJoe1

Have someone bounce the car while you lay underneath, put your hand on the lower arms, you should be able to feel the noise as vibration in the arm with the failed bearing.

I just replaced one on a 2014 S class with 25k miles. It happens, they can fail.

Jan AMG

Jimminez

Same here with 37k miles. Only drivers side lower control arm bushing. Right side was inspected with no signs of cracks. Left in place for now.

SteveE400

I've had a noise from the left front suspension since my car was new. Mine is only heard when slowly going over a speed bump or slowly going through a dip in the pavement that is deep enough to compress the left front suspension. It went to the dealer a total of 4 times so far. The first two times they "could not replicate" the sound. The third time, the item never made it from my notes to the SA into the work order. The fourth time, they said they couldn't hear it. I went to the shop and took the service manager for a ride. Within a half mile, I had demonstrated the sound for him. I thought we were getting somewhere.

To make a long story short, the car remained at the dealer for 5 full weeks. They still don't know what causes the noise, but somehow it has miraculously stopped sounding. It must be haunted. . .

Rehabguy

Thank you all for your replies. I am gonna jack up the car and visually inspect the bushings and ball joint. If I don't see anything split or cracked and/or otherwise physically broken, I will try lubricating the control arm bushings with Silicone lubricant. Have seen a few videos and read a few comments with regards to this method. Another was using a product called AT-205 Re-Seal (spray on). Will report back should I get to it.

jnolan

Jan AMG

ItalianJoe1

Suspension links are not usually required to be replaced in pairs. On most newer vehicles, even struts and things like that don't require replacement of pairs, it varies from case to case. The shop will always do what it is supposed to, as if they only do one and were supposed to do both, the warranty claim will be rejected, and if you do two and the spec calls for one only, the unneeded part will be sent back and that portion of the claim debited.

jnolan

Jan AMG

fever

Same thing happened to me at 18K miles.

Vrodman

I have 30k miles on the 15 and dealer just told me driver side control arm AND driver side strut! He may have meant control arm bushings rather than just control arm, not sure. Sounds like there is a pattern here though eh? I am wondering if the prior owner of my car hit something on the left front like a bad pot hole or something. If not, then should I be counting on doing this again at 60k miles? ugh Not Good if yes.

jnolan

jnolan

Vrodman

Not sure what the cost will be actually. It's under full factory warranty though so it doesn't matter a lot to me. And then my extended warranty covers me through Jan 2022. When that gets near, it will be time for the next car!

Rehabguy

Update.
I was able to visually inspect the driver's side suspension rubbers and nothing seemed torn or falling apart. Sprayed ball joints and control arm bushings with Silicon WD40. The car still made the same noise while jacking it up and dropping it during wheel stud install. Took the whip out for a long test drive after the stud project. Slowly the sound dissipated. By the time I came back home, there was very minimal noise/negligible. If the noise comes back full force, oh wells... I will take it to a shop. $7 for a can of WD40 was well worth a try