Front Suspension.

[Pitsmoor Col]

Hi, I have some knocking noises from the front of the car when I go over humps in the road. I suspect strut tops, is it a diy job or specialist job. Cheers. Car is as profile.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Very likely the drop links cheap and very easy to replace. Bottom ball joints can knock but that would be more consistent

 

[Blobcat]

As per above, suspension components take a hell of a battering on the abominations that we call roads

 

[davidsl500]

Jack it up and use a pry bar to see if you can find the culprit(s) would be a good starting point.

 

[brandwooddixon]

Very likely the drop links cheap and very easy to replace. Bottom ball joints can knock but that would be more consistent

My first port of call as well. Just note that if you jack up a wheel the bottom ball joint will be under tension and seeing movement will be more difficult.

Bottom ball joints and drop links (anti-roll bar to suspension attachment rods) are DIY replaceable - just use an OEM brand to ensure fitment. Torx bit may be required for the drop link bolt.

 

[Pitsmoor Col]

Had a look at the drop links today, but could not see them, so presumably they are not fitted to my model, 64 plate C Class Diesel Automatic saloon bluetec. But I did notice the front spring was broken, so they will need replacing, I will do the pair it's a PITA, but I will have to crack on and get it done. Is there any thing I should be aware of before I start ? Thanks.

 

[Chrishazle]

I just had to have a front spring replaced on my S204, I used one of the links to a parts list website and found that for my exact model (204208) they showed 11 different part numbers for a front spring, each one having a different colour band coding on it! Haven't investigated further! Also looked on Ebay for 204 front springs and saw prices anything from £30 to £90 - looks like a bit of a minefield. Might be worth an eamil to MB Newcastle (on Ebay!) with your VIN to see what the correct spring is and how much they'd charge - mention that you're from this forum.

 

[LostKiwi]

Had a look at the drop links today, but could not see them, so presumably they are not fitted to my model, 64 plate C Class Diesel Automatic saloon bluetec. But I did notice the front spring was broken, so they will need replacing, I will do the pair it's a PITA, but I will have to crack on and get it done. Is there any thing I should be aware of before I start ? Thanks.

If you have to do springs may as well check top strut mounts and if at all iffy replace at the same time.

 

[Pitsmoor Col]

I have changed the springs and top mounts, but still getting noises so just wondering what else it could be.

 

[V6Matty]

Is the noise a sort of knocking rattle by any chance, if so then could well be struts on their way out

 

[Wighty]

I chased a noise at the front of the car for ages , ended up changing all the front suspension on the E class , in the end it was the struts . I wasn’t bothered that it all got replaced as the car is over 100k but I sort of wish I took a page out of @DSK ’s book and done it all at once

 

[Pitsmoor Col]

I think I have a problem with the Right Front hub, it's rumbling. Can I just put new bearings in, or will I have to change the complete unit ? Thanks.

 

[Pitsmoor Col]

Jack it up and use a pry bar to see if you can find the culprit(s) would be a good starting point.

Had it on the ramps, front wheels off pry bar at the ready checked every ball joint and knuckle I could find. But it all seems ok, so it's booked in local garage for Tues. Hope it's nothing too expensive, fingers and everything else crossed.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Had a similar problem with a Rover SD1 many years ago, dropped all the front suspension and still couldn’t find the source of the knocking, eventually I sourced the noise to one of the engine mounts being loose and a five minute job to rectify, certainly sticks in the memory.

 

[LostKiwi]

I think I have a problem with the Right Front hub, it's rumbling. Can I just put new bearings in, or will I have to change the complete unit ? Thanks.

Just bearings. Comes as a kit with seals.

Word of warning. The seal may be magnetic and provide signals to the wheel sensor. Don't push the seal in beyond flush with the hub.

 

[Pitsmoor Col]

I still have noises coming from the front suspension. It's sort of clicky as well as a bit of knocking. What could be causing the clicks ?

 

[mattkh]

.... It's sort of clicky What could be causing the clicks ?

Brake pads area.????????

 

[Pitsmoor Col]

Brake pads area.????????

I doesn't seem to be coming from the brake's, It's more to the Left side. I have changed the shockers but the noise is still there

 

[Pitsmoor Col]

I have read somewhere about sub frames cracking, can you tell me where the cracks if any are likely to be.

 

[LostKiwi]

Usually rear subframes crack from corrosion near the suspension pick up points.