W202 C280 Sport 1997 Front Suspension noises.

[Nifill]

W202 Front Suspension "Clonk"
I have a beautiful '97 C280 sport, just turned 180K miles. For some time I have been experiencing a slight "clonk" ( from near side front wheel I believe) when driving over mildly uneven surfaces. Comes and goes, it could even be something loose but feels like shock absorber or suspension.
Keen to hear if anyone has experienced this or has any ideas.
One other small point, I often get a creaking groan when I reverse out of my garage and turn full lock to the left ( in reverse). sounds like it's comimng from o/s front suspension.

Great car for the last 10.5 years though.. thinking about W204 C320 CDI Sport with 18" next. ....Nigel

 

[kth286]

You likely have two problems with your car suspension/steering.

1. The nearside wishbone bushes.

The wishbone is connect to car via two bushes to car chassis.

The front bush often siezes after high miles and this puts extra loading on the rear bush, which wear out very quickly at this point.

You can hear the banging of the loose rear bush on your front NS wishbone, as you go over rough ground.

That side wears out first because all the potholes are on that side of the road.

The wishbone front bolt will often have to be cut off to remove wishbone.

Does not do anything for good steering.

2. The "creaking groan" noise is likely the lower steering ball joint starting to sieze.

That is important and urgent.

 

[Nifill]

Many thanks for your input David.
I'll get this looked at straight away.
Best Regards, Nigel