Car Steering Issue - Clunking Noise W211

[Benzos]

Hi everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice on a problem with my car. Recently, I've been hearing a clunking noise, especially at low speeds when going over bumps. I don't hear the noise when turning the steering wheel in a stationary position. The clunking still happens occasionally at higher speeds, just not as often.

I took it to a mechanic, and they mentioned it could be an issue with the steering rack. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be something else like tie rods, control arms, or bushings? Any insight or suggestions would be much appreciated before I decide on the next step. Thanks!

 

[onefortheroad]

There are so many components on the w211 suspension that can clunk over bumps. Even the shock absorbers can make a clunk over bumps. Take it to a garage that knows this brand , because it can get expensive swapping out parts and the clunk then remains.

 

[brandwooddixon]

Anti-roll bar drop links and bottom ball joints are the most common items to cause a clunk when traversing bumps. When resting these are under tension due to the road spring.

 

[Benzos]

Thank you for your reply! I suspect the anti-roll bar drop links are at fault here. I have previously diagnosed the anti-roll bar ball joints as being bad, and changed them, which could mean that the anti-roll bar drop links could be worn out too, I'll have another look

 

[onefortheroad]

Thank you for your reply! I suspect the anti-roll bar drop links are at fault here. I have previously diagnosed the anti-roll bar ball joints as being bad, and changed them, which could mean that the anti-roll bar drop links could be worn out too, I'll have another look

Simple test , disconnect the link on the side you think is knocking and go for a short drive over ground where it would normally clunk. If it doesn't clunk = result. If it does then it's not that .

 

[Benzos]

Sounds great! I assume I won't damage the car if I take it for a test drive after removing the anti-roll bar? I tried producing the sound by just pushing on the car on the left side, but I had to put in a lot of force for the sound to come up for a brief moment. Maybe I could take the anti-roll bar from the ball joint and try pushing to see if the sound persists?

 

[onefortheroad]

Sounds great! I assume I won't damage the car if I take it for a test drive after removing the anti-roll bar? I tried producing the sound by just pushing on the car on the left side, but I had to put in a lot of force for the sound to come up for a brief moment. Maybe I could take the anti-roll bar from the ball joint and try pushing to see if the sound persists?

Sounds like the shock itself if you heard the sound by pushing on a corner . You wouldn't be moving anything else to be honest. Video below is me testing a failed rear shock on my GLC. You can hear the clunk , same clunk you'd hear over bumps.

 

[Benzos]

Yeah, that sounds very similar. Will have to take that part out and test it out