Rattle from front drivers side suspension

[paulfoel]

Just bought a 2nd hand Merc A Class (2001).

Noticed a rattle when going over bumps. Fairly bad. Definitely a rattle not a knocking.

Any ideas?

I see in the past its had the anti-roll bar drop links changed twice in the past few years (got the reciepts). What do I look for?

 

[paulfoel]

Seems its play in anti-roll bar drop links which need replacing again?

Bit worrying that its now 3 times in less than 10000 miles. What could be causing this?

An inherent problem somewhere else / poor quality parts? (Not genuine mercedes parts been used I dont think)

 

[Benza750]

More than likely poor quality parts.

Get genuine mercedes 1's or lemforder from euro car parts.
Each set will have a 2 year warranty against failure.

 

[paulfoel]

Will see how these go (too late mechanic has fitted now).

If they fail again it'll be merc parts for me.

 

[paulfoel]

Worryingly, seemed fine for about 1/2 a day but now its rattling again :-(

Is there anything else that can cause problems with these?

 

[Derek Mc]

Have you had a look at the calipers to see if the pads are rattling, on the single pot sliding calipers they can rattle about?

 

[Terry_]

Is it a rattle or knock?
Apart from drop links the front shocks and top mounts can also cause noises on your vehicle. Bear in mind that something isnt obviously physically worn, otherwise it would have been noticed on inspection. Its also the case that the suspension being allowed to hang down whilst the repair work was being carried out may have caused something to settle and the noise to go temporarily
Im going for shocks or mounts although mounts will tend to knock more

 

[paulfoel]

Have you had a look at the calipers to see if the pads are rattling, on the single pot sliding calipers they can rattle about?

Thanks. Might do that...

 

[paulfoel]

Is it a rattle or knock?
Apart from drop links the front shocks and top mounts can also cause noises on your vehicle. Bear in mind that something isnt obviously physically worn, otherwise it would have been noticed on inspection. Its also the case that the suspension being allowed to hang down whilst the repair work was being carried out may have caused something to settle and the noise to go temporarily
Im going for shocks or mounts although mounts will tend to knock more

Deffo rattle. To be honest, my mechanic said drop links had 'some' play but not that bad so I'm wondering if it was something else.

Also, since previous owner had them changed I'm wondering if they assumed it was drop links and changed them when they were worn just a little. But its not them.

 

[Terry_]

Even with a bit of play the drop links really knock on a 168. I am thinking shocks. I take it nothing is loose??

 

[paulfoel]

Even with a bit of play the drop links really knock on a 168. I am thinking shocks. I take it nothing is loose??

assume my mechanic has checked. Did mention a little play in steering....