E220TE 124 Squeaky front suspension and other problems...

[spitfirecbs]

Hi all - 1st post, had the car 3 weeks and so far so good. I've noticed that the front suspension squeaks, a bit like an old metro , when going over a bump or speed ramp etc. It only seems to do it when it's dry, so I have tried bouncing the front and squirting water over various bushes at the front, but I could not get the squeak to go.

I think it could be the front shocks, it's on both sides and quite loud (from inside and outside of the car).

Any ideas ?

Also noticed that the rear shock pipes (load leveling susp.) look quite rusty and corroded - is this worth worrying about, or do they all look like that for ages ?

Lastly, the cruise control doesn't work. MB garage said they'd have to hook it up to the computer - ie. expensive. Any common faults? I can't believe it's the actual switch failing in all 4 directions... stepper motor perhaps (the throttle is a bit sticky from idle) ?

Cheers,
Mark.

 

[Spike]

The most common squeeks from the front suspension are usually caused by the Anti roll bar bushes. Very cheap and easy to fix. I had the exact same symptoms as you describe...when it rained the bushes seemed to quieten down.

Cant help with the rears though as I never had the self levelling shocks.

 

[paul39]

Mark my 230TE(93) right front shock sounded v similar, wet weather made it quiet. It was one with a corrugated rubber sleeve which had loosened at the bottom. Oil and re-tightening helped until it failed MOT 18mths later.

Paul

 

[spitfirecbs]

Thanks Spike and Paul. I think the shocks would be a likely cause as I've got the roll bar bushes really wet with a hose pipe, and no reduction in the squeak. Spike, your shocks sound the same, with that expanding gaiter and yes, they have both come loose at the bottom. I'll have a think about putting some 'rubber friendly' grease on the strut...

Cheers!
Mark.

PS. Any ideas about the u/s cruise control anyone ?

 

[Spike]

The link below may help you diagnose the cruise control problem.

http://www.mbca.org/MBCA_Troubleshooting_cruise_cont.htm