Ball joint gone bad at 30K?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 310
From: NYC
E63S
Ball joint gone bad at 30K?
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 310
From: NYC
E63S
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 126
Likes: 11
From: CT/FL
19 RR SVR, 19 E63S, 18 911 Turbo S
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.
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 95
Likes: 5
From: Sarasota, FL
2016 E63 S AMG
I just hit 30k in my 2016 and have a loud squeaky noise from the front drivers side as well. To me it seems like it's coming from the suspension as it happens when I get in/out of the car or am driving and going over bumpy road surfaces. It just started about a month ago and has gotten worse since then.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 310
From: NYC
E63S
I just hit 30k in my 2016 and have a loud squeaky noise from the front drivers side as well. To me it seems like it's coming from the suspension as it happens when I get in/out of the car or am driving and going over bumpy road surfaces. It just started about a month ago and has gotten worse since then.
Last edited by Rehabguy; Jun 3, 2018 at 10:50 PM. Reason: incomplete sentnce
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 310
From: NYC
E63S
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 Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 1,011
From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
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.
I just replaced one on a 2014 S class with 25k miles. It happens, they can fail.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 329
Likes: 97
From: Ottawa, Canada
2016 E63 S AMG
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
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. . .
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. . .
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 310
From: NYC
E63S
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 119
From: Behind the wheel
The best or nothing
Some components (such as brakes and some suspension components) are (or should be) always replaced in pairs. Check if this applies here. If it doesn't you can have one side done on warranty and the second on your own dime.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 1,011
From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
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.
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 4
From: SF Peninsula
‘17 Carrera GTS, ‘16 E63 Estate, 1965 Shelby Cobra and a few more
Honestly, I was pretty indifferent about the entire service issue. I’m over this car and can’t get excited about the W213 so I’m going to swap it for a Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. The turbo hybrid option looks like a lot of fun.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 119
From: Behind the wheel
The best or nothing
The Panamera Sport Turismo sounds like a good option. Some people say the non-hybrid is even better due to less weight.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 202
From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
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.
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 4
From: SF Peninsula
‘17 Carrera GTS, ‘16 E63 Estate, 1965 Shelby Cobra and a few more
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.
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 4
From: SF Peninsula
‘17 Carrera GTS, ‘16 E63 Estate, 1965 Shelby Cobra and a few more
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 202
From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
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!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 310
From: NYC
E63S
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
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
Last edited by Rehabguy; Jun 17, 2018 at 07:11 PM.
