[georgios]

Hi all,

I have a 1990 500SL. This clucking noise is heard from the rear passenger wheel area when;
1. Car going over small potholes
2. Driveway uneven seams.
3. Speeds from 5 to 20 km/h
4. Other uneven spots of the road.

I checked the suspension, muffler holders, cross bracing, brake calibers, bumber mounts, junk in the trunk etc... nothing discovered. The noise is heard in repeated mode, like a machine gun fires - 2-4 times knocking when driving over just one pothole.

What else should I check? Any imput is well appeciated, thanks.
Georgios

 

[drags1998]

Have you checked the upper shock mounting rubbers?

 

[RKH]

Did you just put on new wheels ?

 

[georgios]

Have you checked the upper shock mounting rubbers?

No, I did not check the upper shock mounting rubbers, will check!!!
No new wheels installed.

I am thinking it might be inside the axle wheel connection...Too messy to
open the assembly when not sure this is the problem.

Georgios

 

[msbarsi]

Hi georgios and welcome in our family.
First of all I'd ask you to fill in your profile with you car, its year and your location to help us help you in the best possible way.
Please be aware that the forum has a very good search feature that can be used and be very helpful. Remember to have a good look at the blue stickies on top of the forum that are a very good starting point for beginners. I know the amount of stuff to read there is big but that's the way to get acquainted with your car.
Back to your problem it might be a rear latch that needs to be greased. Moderator Lynns solved a similar problem I recall.

Cheers.

 

[georgios]

Rear latch...

Hi georgios and welcome in our family.
First of all I'd ask you to fill in your profile with you car, its year and your location to help us help you in the best possible way.
Please be aware that the forum has a very good search feature that can be used and be very helpful. Remember to have a good look at the blue stickies on top of the forum that are a very good starting point for beginners. I know the amount of stuff to read there is big but that's the way to get acquainted with your car.
Back to your problem it might be a rear latch that needs to be greased. Moderator Lynns solved a similar problem I recall.

Cheers.

Hi, I searched the forum for this issue. The rear latch you mentioned is part of the hard/soft top? I have the soft top on now but I had the noise before (when hardtop was on). It sounds as if metal is hitting on rubber rather than metal on metal. The rear shocks appear OK but not sure if the inside parts of the shock are good. I jacked the car and used a wood handle to jerk the wheel hub up-down. The noise occurs when the hub is dropped down...
Loose or worn upper rubber mount of shock as suggested? Need to check that ASAP. Thanks for your help.
Georgios

 

[RoadKing]

It is probably a little more that just an upper shock mount. There are several suspension arms in the rear suspension system. The bushings wear out and/or crack.

I tried to get a four wheel alignment done on my car three years ago due to funny tire wear. The shop did the front, but then couldn't get the backs to stay put. It was some bad bushings allowing the rear suspension to move around. And yes, it would clunk like a big dog when you moved the wheel up an down.

Time to find an honest indy to assess the damage and replace what is necessary.

 

[msbarsi]

Hi, I searched the forum for this issue. The rear latch you mentioned is part of the hard/soft top? I have the soft top on now but I had the noise before (when hardtop was on). It sounds as if metal is hitting on rubber rather than metal on metal. The rear shocks appear OK but not sure if the inside parts of the shock are good. I jacked the car and used a wood handle to jerk the wheel hub up-down. The noise occurs when the hub is dropped down...
Loose or worn upper rubber mount of shock as suggested? Need to check that ASAP. Thanks for your help.
Georgios

georgios the latches I'm referring to are where the hard top and the soft top attach to the car. Use the advanced search feature and look at lynns posts: I recall e had a similar problem and he resolved the issue with some lube.

Cheers.

 

[aam]

I agree with Mike/ Roadking has hit the nail on the head.
Regards,
aam

 

[rucken]

HI GIORGIOS FROM GEORGE

Hi giorgios

I assume you are Greek and you are from toronto,myself i am greek and from Brampton i have a 2001 C240 if you need any help let me know.

 

[NEOKEN]

I agree with Mike/ Roadking has hit the nail on the head.
Regards,
aam

+1.

It does sound like old and/or deteriorated control arm bushings,
causing excessive play/clunking in the rear suspension components.

Best Regards.

 

[aam]

Hi, I searched the forum for this issue. The rear latch you mentioned is part of the hard/soft top? I have the soft top on now but I had the noise before (when hardtop was on). It sounds as if metal is hitting on rubber rather than metal on metal. The rear shocks appear OK but not sure if the inside parts of the shock are good.



I jacked the car and used a wood handle to jerk the wheel hub up-down. The noise occurs when the hub is dropped down...

Loose or worn upper rubber mount of shock as suggested? Need to check that ASAP. Thanks for your help.
Georgios

Well you went half way with the wood, have someone do that and you go under
the car, (On jacks of course.)
I don't want to lose you, Greek or not. LOL.

Check what knocks at the door.
I hope it is not the cops. Haha.
Let us know what.

Regards.
aam.

 

[Chicky]

Hello georgios,

You may want to check the foot brake linings inside the rear disc hubs, there are 2 small springs used to attach the brake shoes to the axle, also check the adjustments. To do this, you need to remove the rear calipers and discs.

Hope this helps,

Chicky

 

[aam]

Well I was thinking about this........
I think maybe the locking nut on top of the shocks went lose or never installed,
so the other nut got lose and the shock is lose...........
You will not be able to see that from under the car unless you hold the shock
absorber and pull and push hard.
Or remove the panels in the trunk to check.
Regards.
aam.