'98 W210 creaking suspension

[Jimbonic]

OK, so, not content with being the size of a boat, my E430 estate has developed a worrying creaking from the front end (left / n/s, I think) and sounds like a tall ship in a high wind. It seems to happen only at low speed - or it could be that I just can't hear it above other noises (wind, children, wife, etc.) at higher speeds.

I'm sure I read somewhere about a part of the suspension that sometimes fails on these Mercs. Can anyone enlighten me?

Also, is this a fixable-by-anyone type of problem, or am I going to be fleeced? Do you have any recommendations for good independents in the SW London / Surrey area?

Thanks

 

[jefrs]

May I suggest you check and probably replace all the rubber bushes. I thought mine were ok until I had them all replaced. This also fixed some alignment problems. The other bit to check would be the swivel joint. Probably worth replacing too, same age car, sounds like same wear.

I've now had upper and lower arm bushes (with new bolts), upper arm bush and new bolt, swivel joints, track rod ends, drop arm links and anti-roll bar bushes. Basically the lot. The parts are quite cheap but not a diy job (for me).

 

[Dieselman]

It will be the bottom ball joint. To test press down lightly on the wing.

 

[jefrs]

That's what I called the swivel joint, but it's a big car and it doesn't move whilst its weight is bearing down on it. You have to jack it up and examine wheel play top and bottom. Even then the play could be the upper arm. The lower wishbone is not going to noticeably move with just man power wiggling it.