Suspension clang on C240 Auto

[Gnuface]

Hi,
My C240 makes a clanging type noise when I drive over a road hump/sleeping policeman, this seems to be coming from the nearside rear. My local Merc. garage put it up on the ramp but could not find a problem. This does not occur all the time, but sometimes the slightest hump will cause it?
Any ideas :?:

 

[Myros]

exhaust banging about, maybe

put your foot on the tailpipe and wibble it about a bit. See if you can recreate the noise. Similarly, bounce around on each corner.
What exactly did the dealers do in their "investigation"?

 

[Gnuface]

In honesty they just had a quick look - at no charge - they did say that the hoist they used meant the suspension would drop completely ie. the wheels were not supported, they found some stones in the plastic undertray which they thought may be bouncing and hitting the exhaust. The problem is still there however. The exhaust feels firm, although I agree it does sound like that sort of clang. Is the fuel tank metal or plastic?
The suspension seems firm ie the dampers appear to be working. The car is under 4 years old with only 33k miles.!

 

[Myros]

not sure on a w203

it's metal on the w 202. Try approaching the bumps at an angle rather than square on. that might help you locate which corner/end is the offending article. Maybe it's just something grounding, which is worrying in itself.
The best thing would be to kidnap a mechanic and have him in the car with you at the next bump. Are you heavily loaded up, or not.

 

[Gnuface]

The car is mostly unloaded. I am convinced it is the rear nearside corner, which does tend to point to the exaust.
Yes the garage suggested that if the problem persists then they would have to sit in and experience it. Sods law says it won't happen then of course!

 

[leec692003]

mine aswell

:-( i'm having the exactly the same problem, it's been in the garage twice and they can't find anything wrong definatly not the exhaust, fuel tank, shocks or bushes. It happens more so when it's wet so each time i take it in i give it a quick jet wash on the back end and hey presto it starts again! it's going in again next week so if i have any joy i'll let you know. They are considering it being the springs on the way out they have re-seated them but nothing.?????

 

[robbo]

I had the same thing and it was a broken rear coil spring so I would suggest looking there first. This seems to be developing into a rather common problem.

 

[PINBALL]

What mileage has the car done?

 

[leec692003]

milage

well mine's a c180 2001 reg and it's done 93k if you've got any ideas!

 

[jon pollard]

I've had exactly the same noise as you describe, which was diagnosed as a broken rear spring. My 2001 C200K has done 50,000 gentle miles so it came as a shock to say the least. Main dealers were totally non-commital with good will gesture out of warranty and quoted £270!! for replacing both rear springs. I told them I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of fitting the same crap to risk it failing again. To cut a long story short I've just had the springs replaced today at a MB specialist together with fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs and brake fluid for £270 all up!! These bits were classed as extras to my recent A type main dealer service and as such couldn't be done on the day; I dread to think what they would have cost if they could have been. :razz:

 

[colechelle]

rear srings on c202 and c203 are not that clever, seen many broken springs but you have to take wheels off, then looking hard with good light your find very bottom coil bout 1-2 inch snapped off, not easy to find even on ramp, agree with robbo and jon, bout 30 quid each and real easy to fit

 

[leec692003]

springs!!!!!!!!!

Got sick of the garage giving me the brush off so i've had a look for myself, shouldn't have to as i've only just got it and they gave me it with a warrenty!! and guess what, not one but two broken spring - yep both rear springs, one of which has snapped in three places on the last six inches or so, the other has a seven inch chunk snapped off. I also found a leak in the diff drive shaft seal while i was there. I of course phoned the garage whom obviously said sorry and will get it sorted - might not be as bouncy now!! so much for them saying they had done this that and the other and there's nothing wrong!!!! :twisted:

 

[robbo]

How the hell didnt they notice this? Personally, I'd find another dealer!

 

[tom7035]

I agree with Robbo, and pronto! I'd also name and shame them.

 

[alancolvin]

I've had a similar experience - loud 'bong' from rear when going over bumps. My local MB dealer said the rear suspension nuts just needed tightening, which I didn't believe, so I got a local independent MB specialist to look, and he immediately spotted a broken rear spring - bottom coil.

Be careful if you decide to buy a replacement spring other than from an MB parts department, because they run a special calculation to identify the precise spring you need. Their calculation takes into account the weight of every 'extra' fitted to the car, so it's important to use this system or you risk fitting a spring with the wrong characteristics, which could unbalance the ride dynamics.

 

[colechelle]

couldnt have put it better alan mb springs are so cheap not worth going anywhere ease, as you rightly said going to mb all they need is chassis number and that gives them the correct data-sheet for that model just remember if you come across this you must change pair not just one, as i have known people to do in past

 

[leec692003]

done

all done now with mb springs, it so quiet now and the ride is nice and firm. also tracks in a nice straight line, anyone interested don't go to a garage called orbital in hull. it's were i've been going but never again!!! :mrgreen: