I have been trying to isolate the cause of my suspension noise. It is notable going over bumps and rough roads that it does not feel/sound like a Mercedes should. The sound is rough as if bad shocks. The car has 158K miles on it.
I have replaced the following:
-Sway bar endlinks ~10K miles ago (reduced a lot of noise at the time!)
-Front lower ball joints- ~1-2K miles ago
-All 4 shocks (Sachs/Oem) last night!
Tire pressure is 27psi all around on OEM rims and grand touring tires. I am running out of options. I keep hearing LCA bushings give a shimmy ~55, I don't have any noticeable shimmy. Does anyone else have any ideas or definitive ways to check?
New LCA's with bushings run $200/each thats an expensive gamble if it is not the cause...
Zack
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1997 E300 Diesel Depo Headlights with RS6 Bi-Xenons
I replaced bushings trying to get rid of the noise I got over bumps, but it finally went away after I replaced the belt tensioner. You would think it would have made a bad groaning sound being that far gone, but it was pretty quite while the engine was at idle. So I'd verify that everything the belt turns is OK, good luck, I know how annoying those suspension noises are!
My E320 has 120k on it and recently started making a rubber-scrunching sound when going over big bumps (like a speed bump) at low speeds. I replaced the sway bar bushings, and all was quiet for about 2-3 weeks, and then there was a new noise. I was convinced it was coming from the drivers side upper control arm bushing. Paid the dealership $350 to swap it out, and so far things are reasonably quiet again. There was nothing visible to indicate that the control arm bushing was bad, that is just where the sound seemed to be coming from. Sway bar bushings were definitely worn. Dealership lacked any talent for locating the noise, they just wanted to start with the cheapest part and replace things until they found out what was really at fault.
He already changed them...it would be odd if they're already shot after 10,000 miles.
Zack, you can buy and install loaded upper a-arms (ball joint and bushings installed), you'll have to get it realigned but they can go bad too.
Personally I think I'd take it to a couple of indie shops and tell them you can't find the noise, you need a new mechanic, here is what has been changed. Let them diagnose it, lots will do a quick check for free. But I'd have to think that the frustration level has to be pretty high at this point, in your shoes I might be willing to pay for an indie diagnosis.
Just a thought, but any vibration at idle? If so and your motor mounts were gone that could be felt and heard over harsher bumps.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
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tire pressure is to low,esp for a diesel.Find the value for compressed spring height,your coils may be shot.Over 100000 miles on a D car,inspect those motor mounts,could be collapsed or leaking.
ohlord
Didn't notice he had a diesel. The mounts need to be done if they are original at that age/mileage. They are going to be collapsed some, maybe a lot. I doubt that there is any issue with your springs - they ought to last you the life of the car.
tire pressure is to low,esp for a diesel.Find the value for compressed spring height,your coils may be shot.Over 100000 miles on a D car,inspect those motor mounts,could be collapsed or leaking.
ohlord
Fogot to mention Motor mounts were done 3 weeks ago
The tire pressure is the correct pressure for the diesel, any more would make it worse.
I HIGHLY doubt my springs would be worn, that just doesn't happen. spring bushings/rubber mounts perhaps, but still unlikely.
. spring bushings/rubber mounts perhaps, but still unlikely.
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