w245 clunking noise

[Exp21]

Good morning everyone. I'm looking for help if you are so kind. On my 2010 w245 6 months ago I changed by myself control arms, sway bar links and outer tie rods. All TRW components. Two weeks ago I started hearing some rare metallic clunks during low speed steering (like for parking), especially in rear gear. Noises are getting worse and more frequent. On the steering wheel I don't feel any shake or jerk (probably I can exclude the steering rack?). This weekend I'm gonna remove the wheels to check the cv joints who are the first suspects. I know this model is notorious for breaking cv joints and racks, anyway do you know how could I make an accurate diagnosis only with a cric? If the cv joint rubber is still intact and fine, could it be broken anyway inside? I don't know how to diagnose the issue. Thank you very much for help

 

[LostKiwi]

CV joints usually make a click click click on full lock if knackered.

 

[Exp21]

thank you! In my case I hear it at low steering angles, not on full turn. I think it could be an hard diagnosis because the damage could be inside and not visible. I'll check all the boots if there are cracks and grease leaks as first step. I hope it isn't the rack. I'll keep posted

 

[Exp21]

Hi! In the end it was the cv joint boot with a very little crack. It started losing grease and now it's getting worse. Usual damage for a w245. What an unreliable car. If I'll find time to make a brief tutorial I'll post it in the forum (I still see many w245 b-classes turning around in the streets so I think it could be useful for someone). Bye!

 

[LostKiwi]

To be fair CV joints are a common issue on most front wheel drive cars.
It only takes a stone to flick up and damage the boot and the wear starts immediately.

 

[Exp21]

What you say is true, but I agree only partially. I had 2 B-classes and one w169 and all of them had cv axle failure. Not only on boots, but also in the inner side causing transmission vibrations due to play. Forums are also full of people who broke cv joints while driving. Cv axles are the weak point of these cars Thank you for you reply