Creaking w124 front end HELP

[Bean]

When making sharp left or right turns in my e280, there was a loud creaking noise. Having looked on this site, it seemed the problem was possibly a ball joint.
The car was taken to the local garage and put on the ramps. The mechanic twisted the tire back and forth to try to locate the area of noise. He wound up spraying WD40 onto the ball joint area, as this seemed to be where the noise was coming from.
It sounded better for the first mile but then started making constant squeaking noises on the left front side even without turning but when turning, the noise gets louder. We're in mid wales with the closest MB mechanic 2 hours away. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[stwat]

Definately sounds like the bottom ball joints. They corrode internally and eventually will pop out , which is obviously very dangerous. Spraying WD40 in them simply lubricates them, but may also lead to them popping out easier !!!!

Get them both changed as soon as possible.

 

[Bean]

Thanks for the advice stwat. I'm guessing a non MB garage can do the work if they have a hydraulic press? Probably a stupid question but does anyone know the part number for the ball joints? I've found them on Europarts but they are not genuine part and they cost £21. Thanks again for any advice.

 

[kth286]

Thanks for the advice stwat. I'm guessing a non MB garage can do the work if they have a hydraulic press? Probably a stupid question but does anyone know the part number for the ball joints? I've found them on Europarts but they are not genuine part and they cost £21. Thanks again for any advice.

If it is the ball joint (it could be the wishbone bushes partially seized) you need to be sure you have the type of wishbone that has the seperate ball joints as opposed to the built in integral ball joints.

Put your full VIN up here and someone will advise.

 

[grober]

UNFORTUNATELY the bigger braked later 6 cylinder models may have welded in non replaceable joints meaning the whole arm needs replaced. Unfortunately this also may require the car's tracking to be checked afterwards. Worn ball joints are a critical safety issue so don't HESITATE. THE EARLIER ARMS HAVE LUGS ON THEM

 

[bolide]

E280 has replaceable balljoints. You could try the local Main Dealer for a price for fitting - they might surprise you

Nick Froome

 

[Bean]

Thanks everyone for all the responses. The local MB dealer is 2 hours away so I think I need to go to a local garage. The VIN is 1240882F330627
Thanks Again
Bean