Knocking sound from front wheel - E55

[mlsports]

Hi guys

I recently bought a 1999 E55 (estate). When i first got the car I noticed a slight knocking noise from the front drivers side wheel area when going over bumps.

I have had all four anti-roll bar links replaced, both ball joints, and also the steering knuckle.

But the knock it still there!!!

Any ideas what it could possibly be???????

Thanks guys!

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Check the anti roll bar bushings, visible if you turn the wheel on full lock and look underneath.

Also have a look at the shock absorber bushings top and bottom.

And also have a look inside the engine bay and check nothing daft is loose

 

[hmang]

then check for broken springs and crappy spring top mounts

 

[Ron Palfrey]

I'm not being funny but I had a knocking sound from the osf on my Corsa the other week. Turned out to be a broken spring. The bit that had broken off was still resting in the location cup and rattled every time I went over a bump. Took the broken bit out and the noise stopped. I know its not a Merc!

I blame it on the traffic "calming" !!!! speed humps in our village. I try not to use my Merc through the village now.

Ron

 

[Blobcat]

I'm not being funny but I had a knocking sound from the osf on my Corsa the other week. Turned out to be a broken spring. The bit that had broken off was still resting in the location cup and rattled every time I went over a bump. Took the broken bit out and the noise stopped. I know its not a Merc!

I blame it on the traffic "calming" !!!! speed humps in our village. I try not to use my Merc through the village now.

Ron

They do have a lot to answer for these obstructions in the road. My fathers Jag broke a couple of front springs possibly the same way.

 

[mlsports]

Mistake

My mistake!!!

Tried it again today with all the windows open to get a good listen - and it's the BACK wheel (drivers side), not the front :Oops:

The anti-roll bar bushings have been replaced already, so it's definately not that.

There was a slight 'rubbing' noise from this wheel a couple of weeks back. Could this be related??

 

[television]

Then this could be the prop shaft center bearing we have had it before with the same effects, I was going to suggest this last night.

 

[mlsports]

prop shaft bearing

With the prop shaft bearing, wouldn't this affect both rear wheels?

This is definately only on the drivers side (even had a passenger next to me to make sure)

 

[television]

With the prop shaft bearing, wouldn't this affect both rear wheels?

This is definately only on the drivers side (even had a passenger next to me to make sure)

How good is the hearing of the passenger (joking) the last guy thought it was coming from over his shoulder,and with his it was the prop bearing, but then it can be the rear suspension bushes as we have had that before only 2 weeks back

 

[mlsports]

tested again

Hi again

I tested it again this evening and it's definately the rear passenger side.

I noticed that if I rocked the car up and down then there is a distinct 'clunk' every time it rocks up and down. No sounds at all when I did the same on the passenger side.

The action seems smooth on both side when rocked, just a distinct clunking.

What's the most likely culprit?

 

[Blobcat]

Broken rear spring as per above or worn suspension bushes

 

[television]

You do have a rear anti roll bar with links that can and do wear, all of you rear suspension is here

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb1.asp?TP=1&F=210074&Cat=45P

I could not link it any further as change at 06-99

 

[hmang]

lower spherical bearing
broken spring
loose lower shock mounting bolt...woof it up real tight