W211 E55 AMG

[ama singh]

Have replaced all a front suspension lower and upper ball joints and also lower suspension arms on both sides, were worn on both sides so i decided to change them all out for OEM. Still had a slight knocking sound which looks like its from the ARB drop link ball joints. Was advised by MB that the drop links should also be changed at the same time, could not give me an explanation as to why this is the case.

Has anyone had similar guidance and do you know why the drop links should be replaced at the same time as the lower inner ball joints?

 

[mioba]

Have you checked your drive shafts and CV joints.

 

[Uncle Benz]

The drop links pull onto a hexagonal taper on the ball joint. It’s sometimes hard to get them off without damage. The upper part of the drop link is a bush. These are usually tired too. To find out if the balljoints are the problem use the ball end of a ball pein hammer to tighten them on the back face. A little bit of dimpling tightens them. A road test will tell you if you’ve correctly identified the problem area

 

[ama singh]

I must be lucky, the ARB link hexagonal joint came loose directly as I loosed the nuts on both sides so no damage.

After I removed the ARB nuts on the lower inner ball joints, I pushed and pulled on the threaded bar part of the ball joint with grips, I could feel movement. Very similar to what I had with the lower ball joints.

Hub bearings feel good.

I've ordered replacement ball joints from my local MB, should be ready for pickup on Wednesday, then I'll get them in and hopefully the knock should be gone.

 

[V6Matty]

Had the same with my old S211 changed everything the same as you have including the drop links, still had a knock, ended up being a shock absorber, only way we confirmed it was swapping left to right and noticed the knocking followed it

 

[ama singh]

Knock I have is both sides,, just depends on which wheel hits the bump first. Will find out next week if it is the link ball joints, i'm hoping its not the struts. Will update this thread in a few days.

 

[Uncle Benz]

Peen the back of the joints. The noise will go away for a few days if that is the problem

 

[ama singh]

I pulled the joints out this morning, unfortunately they are not looking to good so i cant push them back in to test by "peening" the joints. I could just go for a very short drive (speed bumps out side my front door!, but I had to remove one of the suspension arms to get the ball joint out (MB arm), I managed to pull the ball joint out of the other arm (lemforder) in situ.

 

[Uncle Benz]

Lol! Fair enough! It's likely you've found it anyway.

 

[ama singh]

Sorted, drop link ball joints replaced.

 

[ama singh]

any recommendations for a 4 wheel alignment garage in shropshire?

 

[John Laidlaw]

any recommendations for a 4 wheel alignment garage in shropshire?

My mate takes his 7 series here

Four Wheel Alignment - Highgate Garage

highgategarage.co.uk

He lives in Whitchurch area mind....

 

[ama singh]

My mate takes his 7 series here

Four Wheel Alignment - Highgate Garage

highgategarage.co.uk

He lives in Whitchurch area mind....

Great, thank you!

Whitchurch is not so far from where I am.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Great, thank you!

Whitchurch is not so far from where I am.

He's in Newton actually......

 

[ama singh]

He's in Newton actually......

Price is very reasonable, just booked car in for next week, thank you.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Price is very reasonable, just booked car in for next week, thank you.

Great stuff, I hope you'll be pleased...they have good taste in photos on their web site anyway!

 

[ama singh]

Highgate Garage, Foxes Lane,
Broughall, Whitchurch,
Shropshire SY13 4EG