W210 clunky suspension

[garyatkinson]

Hello group and thank you for creating a really useful library of knowledge for DIY enthusiasts (and those too skint to use main dealers!).

I have a 100k W210 2001 E320CDi Avantgarde saloon with a suspect suspension problem. I feel every lump and bump in the road and it feels really clunky (bangs) over uneven road surfaces. The steering is fine. When I press down on each corner of the car it is stiff (doesn't bounce more than once/twice).

I read on the threads that it could "be either lower, outer ball joints or anti-rollbar links". I wonder how I would determine which of these it is or whether it is the shock absorbers (which is what I thought until I read the threads).

Any help, gratefully received.

Gary

 

[vijilants]

Its not the shocks.....its the ball joints and anti rollbar links.

Common problem on the W210

 

[brandwooddixon]

Almost certainly the lower ball joints.
Expect them to last no longer than two years without replacement.

 

[piestore]

210 knocking

HI

Definatley anti roll bar links and ball joints every 50-70 thousand miles much better that 211 model sometimes as little as 20 thousand miles

 

[bigasotonuk]

I agree that your problem is most likely ARB links or ball joints. As these are very common on this model and other similar models.
Do the ARB links first as they are the cheapest easiest fit option.

 

[brandwooddixon]

For some reason it's not been added to the DIY section, but here's my thread on replacing those parts.
Tie rod end and lower ball joint
and ARB links

 

[garyatkinson]

Well I guess I can't argue with that consensus of opinion.

Thank you for the prompt replies and especially for the links to the Do It Yourself instructions.

Just ordering the parts and that'll be me on my back this weekend.

Best wishes
Gary

 

[psr]

I too have this knocking and clonking from my front suspension (E320 CDI) and wanted to replace these, but my local garage are reluctant because they cannot find any play in the joints although they can hear the noise when driving the car. They did tighten up the wheel bearings 90 degrees or so, but that made no difference.

Should I ignore there advice and replace the ball joings and anti roll bar links? Is it normal for there to be no play yet noise?

 

[brandwooddixon]

Because of the design of the front suspension the lower ball joints are always under tension.

This means that play can only be found by having the full weight of the vehicle resting on the lower wishbone and then levering the hub (say from under the tyre) away from it. For this reason MB use a tool to measure the distance between the bottom of the ball joint and its top in order to guage wear.

At the end of the day they are not too expensive to replace and will almost certainly need replacing every two years at least or as my MB dealer said "They'll usually fail every other MOT".

 

[wireman]

I have just fitted a new steering damper, the difference is amazing, the last bit of the creaking and clonking which new ball joints and anti rool bar bushes almost cured has now gone. The steering felt quite OK before but now its somewhat better, especialy in cross winds.

While its up in the air for the ball joints check the damper its was 30 quid well spent on mine.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Hi guys - old thread i know but i have clonking so gonna change anti roll bar bushes first..how much are they and how long to change?

 

[brandwooddixon]

See the DIY thread for more information.
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=56516
The prices are still pretty valid. I think that they are only a couple of pounds out. £8 and £5 rings a bell. Certainly it'll cost you less than £30 for all parts.
If replacing the ARB bushes I'd recommend that you replace the drop links as well, as you will have to remove them anyway.