Squeaking Front Suspension C320 Elegance

[del044]

51 plate C320 Saloon with 54000 miles. Over the last few months squeaking occurs in front suspension. No excessive bounce. No excessive roll on corners etc. Pressure on front wing when stationery when released creates the noise as does passing over humps in road. Any suggestions as to possible cause please? Is this a familiar Merc problem? Would it be bushes or shock absorber? Help - its driving me mad!

 

[MondeoMan]

Have you checked the shocks for leaks? That's always a favourite for squeaks.

 

[nicky]

Sounds like the skocks need replaced...

 

[del044]

Would that not manifest itself by excessive bounce? None detected at present.

 

[jberks]

It could just be a dry bush on the suspension. Common summer issue. Try spraying roll bar mounts, wishbone bushes etc with a jot of WD40. It will probably quieten down in the winter once you've been through a few puddles.

 

[tom7035]

Try lubricating the 4 anti-roll bar bushes with some brake fluid.

 

[Richh]

I had a similar problem last summer i changed front anti roll bar and that sorted it. Mine was a creaking noise and was worse on hot dry days.

hope this helps

 

[robbo]

It's you Anti roll bar bushes. I had the same thing on my C320 a while back. The parts are less than £20, and its about an hours labour to replace them.

 

[del044]

C320 Front suspension creaking

Just a thanks to all who have taken the trouble to reply. Will try anti-roll bar bushes first, after that, Shocks if there are signs of leakage.

 

[jon pollard]

Yes, I've had the same problem with my C200K. Garage removed and lubricated the anti-roll bar bushes under warranty, which provided limited relief. Mechanic at local MB specialist, with 15 yrs experience at MB dealership, informs me that there's hardly a new MB out there with squeeky front suspension. As a result, MB have now produced new teflon coated bushes to alleviate the problem - make sure you get them.

 

[alancolvin]

This is a common problem on W203 models. The cause is almost always the anti-roll bar bushes. Even the newer design bushes eventually start to squeak or creak, usually on hot days after a dry spell of weather. WD40 makes a temporary improvement, but silicone spray lasts much longer. Also, if like my car the mileage is around 50,000, check/tighten the front suspension nuts & bolts, and also apply silicone spray to the rubber bushes they are clamping. One of these was also squeaking on my car.