Noisy Strut Bearing???? E280 w124 M reg

[neilkarparts]

Hi all,
my misses had the car for two day and guess what....we now have a NOISE!!!!
Whilst turning out of the drive there is a GRAUNCHING noise and you can hear it in a straight line as the shocker is operating.
I have investigated but visually you can't see anything wrong. Obviously the car has been through a few puddles so wondered if anyone has had the same problem - could it be washed out dry Strut Bearing or such like???
Moral of this story........don't let her indoors use the Merc!

 

[neilkarparts]

Just to add.....
I have been reading past postings and lower ball joint looks favourite.....anyone agree??
If so do you need a press to remove the old and fit the new??????
Neil

 

[kth286]

and/or the lower wishbone bushes.

It may be a better (complete) solution to replace the whole lower wishbone which incorporates both bushes and the ball joint, especially if you have to pay to get it done and the dismantling involved.

Do note the need for special internal spring compressors for Mercedes of that year.

There is no top revolving bearing on the strut.

 

[mattkh]

There is no top revolving bearing on the strut.

Hi
So... when the strut turns with the the turning of the wheel, does it rotate on the shaft of the shock absorber????

 

[wireman]

Yes the shock top bush is the bearing, the spring load is taken by the body and this means that there are only light dynamic loads on the top mount.
Any creaking and groaning will be the bottom ball joint, change it before it falls apart and wrecks the car.

 

[mattkh]

Yes the shock top bush is the bearing,.

Hi
In that case either the top bush is lubricated for life or there must be wear and tear after how many steering movements?

 

[kth286]

wireman did not get it quite right.

There is no top bush that turns.

The piston rod of the damper-strut is fixed at the top of the top mount, and the damper-strut itself turns around the piston rod that is inside it.

The body of the damper-strut is bolted to the steering nuckle which in turn is attached to the tie rods, and the moving of the tie rods turns the steering knuckle which in turn, turns the damper-strut around . The max movement from one lock to the other is about 120 degrees.

Do not however turn the steering when the wheels are hanging loose, such as when the car is jacked up, as the piston rod will be extended and the valve mechanism likely touching the top of the internal roof of the damper-strut and will scrape it when turned.

 

[wireman]

KTH 268, I was refering to the top bush in the casing of the damper but called it a shock as many do.

Thanks for the warning I was not aware of that risk.

 

[neilkarparts]

Hi All,
Just to let you know the out come.......
I have changed the Lower Ball Joint and had the car Tracked and it is now PERFECT!!!
Thankyou all very much for your advise and information.

Thanks again Neil