E300 Estate - clunk from back when pulling away

[pcman_jh]

Anyone shed light on the clunk that comes from the back of my 1999 E300 W210 estate (91K miles). It's only there when pulling away, or just before you come to a standstill, there's a definate solid sounding clunk from the rear driver's side. I've put the car up on a jack and checked the linkages etc with nothing obvious showing.

I'd have thought if it was one of the suspension bushes that it would be prevalent when going over bumps, but nothing - only when drawing away or you're about to stop.

It's almost as if the rear diff is moving on a rotational mount when pulling away or stopping. You can sometimes feel the thunk from your seat as well!!

Are there any weak spots on this model in this area?

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Checked the wheel bolts?

 

[pcman_jh]

E300 clunk from back

Yes, wheel bolts are OK. Also checked there's nothing in the rear storage compartments (spare wheel, wheel jack etc) that are simply moving.

I noticed tonight it's not there if I let the car stop without using hte brakes. I'll use this clue when giving it a more thorough check this weekend.

 

[television]

A sticky brake caliper is not unknown

Malcolm

 

[pcman_jh]

Found the cause - worn lower arm bush

Jacked the car up today and by using a crow bar immediately found the culprit. The lower arm bush, the one that joins to the hub, has about an 1/8th inch movement. The car had an MOT in January so I guess the guy who did it must have known the owner and turned a blind eye!!

Anyone know if I can just get another bush or will it be the hub assembly - and at what cost??