W204 - Suspension knock

[SMB77]

Hi all,

I have just replaced the two front shocks on my W204 C320 - one was completely knackered and the other wasn't far behind..

Now there is a knocking sound from front right - not noticeable when going over speed bumps, but noticeable if on a bumpy road..

Had car back at mechanic, he has taken apart entire suspension, looked at everything and tested with lever but cannot spot anything..

Any help? I have read about the LCA, but would he know to look at it that it could be knackered..

Any help greatly appreciated!!

 

[WG M-B]

Hmm
Where did the shocks come from?
The fact you say it's noticeable on bumpy ground suggests a damping issue ( which 204's are known for)

 

[SMB77]

The shocks were 2 new Monroe electronic gas shocks which I sourced froma motor factors in Germany..

So the damping issue you mention - what would be the tell tale signs? What normally gets replaced?

 

[SMB77]

Just to add - there is no noise if I drive over a speed bump and the shocks compress and release.. But if I was driving along a road and there was a small lip or significant change if surface, there would be a knock..

 

[WG M-B]

From what you have described I would say the legs (shocks), or maybe mounts?
Not really much else going to effect it.
Ball joint will knock, bushes will give a lot of feedback especially over bumps but..
Dampers and mounts will really give bad feedback over rough ground. You won't physically find play etc in components

 

[SMB77]

The mechanic still has the old bust shock - so we're going to put that back into the car, see if the noise is still there with the different shock and go from there..

 

[SMB77]

He seems convinced that because the noise was not there pre the new shock that could be it causing the problems..

 

[Dizzy]

Hi WG M-B,
When you say W204 are known for dampers, what are the problems please? My W204 seems to have a very choppy ride which isn't bouncy like worn shocks but just not as smooth as my old W202. As it's an elegance model with comfort setting, I expected the ride to be smoother than it is.

 

[SMB77]

Still no further forward - fella coming to view my car this evening to buy it, gonna knock £500 off the asking price and let it go if he is interested..

Bloody cars!!