Knocking on CLK

[Adeinfrance]

Hi. Whilst changing the wheels on the wifes CLK 230K recently I noticed that on the front right there was some movement whilst the wheel was off the ground. The movement is when the wheel is held on either side, 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, there is no movement when you try and move the wheel with your hands on the top and bottom, 12 and 6 o'clock. I had a quick look but couldn't work out what is moving, I'm a builder not a mechanic. Anybody know what it might be and is it ok to drive? I am intending to drive the car back to the UK in a couple of weeks to get it MOT'd but wanted to make sure it makes the journey. I drove it for about 70 miles yesterday and it drives fine with a knocking sometimes whilst parking or manouvering on full lock.

 

[spike60]

There is a linkage connecting the front wheels to keep them parallel ish, mine has a load of slop in the left knuckle joint about 12" in from the wheel giving the symptoms you list. Get it looked at by a mechanic, it may or may not need sooner rather than later attention.

 

[Dieselman]

If the movement is only in the steering direction it is the track rod end or drag link ball joint worn, but try lifting the wheel up to check the bottom ball joint as well.

To really check the steering joints, reach round the wheel and grip the ball-joint then have a helper waggle the steering wheel side to side wheel quickly.

 

[Adeinfrance]

Thanks for that. Is the wheel likely to fall off on my way to the UK? As I said driving it yesterday it doesn't feel sloppy or wants to wander anywhere. There is no movement top to bottom. Only really noticed it because I was changing the wheels.

 

[Dieselman]

The wheel won't fall off.