W203 Anti Roll bar suspension noise

[lynchstu]

Looking for some help with a problem I am having with my 2007 C Class.

First I will give you some back ground. I bought the car in January 2007 and the day I got the car heard a noise when ever I went over a speed bump. Will spare you all the details but the car has been back in about 30 times in the last 15 months and the noise has still not been fixed.

They have replaced numerous parts and have now told be that the noise is on every C Class they have tested and is therefore now classed as a characteristic of the vehicle. Case has been referred to Mercedes technical and I have since complained to service centre and recevied what can only be described as a patronising 2 paragraph letter basically telling me to beat it.

I have been told the noise is coming from the anti roll bar but not had this confirmed.

Has any one else had a similer problem they have been able to get sorted or does anyone know of any way to esclate the issue through mercedes as the car had the problem when I got it and I have been assured each time the car went in that they could fix it.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[whitenemesis]

Had something similar on mine. A noise when negotiating ramps, bumps etc..

MB had the car and changed the struts, bushes and anti-roll bar mountings nothing helped.

Then an MB tech remembered something on a previous C class, we fixed chassis microphones to the front cross member and went for a drive. After about 4hrs had it pinned down. It was movement between the chassis rails and the crush boxes and the front cross member.

MB then removed the bumper and cross member, applied a special grease to all surfaces and reassembled.

Perfect! Total silence

Perhaps suggest it to them. Your dealer should have the kit to track it down.

 

[lynchstu]

Thanks whitenemisis I will suggest it to them and see what they say now. To be honest I was more disappointed with the fact they just said there was nothing more they could do.

Will let you know what they say.

 

[ramit]

we fixed chassis microphones to the front cross member and went for a drive. .

I've never heard of this and I'm intrigued!, I've had a quick google but can't find anything. Can you give more details as to where these can be bought from or even a link with info?

 

[crockers]

Had something similar on mine. A noise when negotiating ramps, bumps etc..

MB had the car and changed the struts, bushes and anti-roll bar mountings nothing helped.

Then an MB tech remembered something on a previous C class, we fixed chassis microphones to the front cross member and went for a drive. After about 4hrs had it pinned down. It was movement between the chassis rails and the crush boxes and the front cross member.

MB then removed the bumper and cross member, applied a special grease to all surfaces and reassembled.

Perfect! Total silence

Perhaps suggest it to them. Your dealer should have the kit to track it down.

Result -- new struts, bushes and anti-roll bar mountings ....for free...

 

[whitenemesis]

I've never heard of this and I'm intrigued!, I've had a quick google but can't find anything. Can you give more details as to where these can be bought from or even a link with info?

I'm sorry but I have never seen them before either. But it didn't look particularly high tech, just six microphones connected to a switch box / /amplifier and a set of headphones. The tech fixed the mics to various points under the bonnet / suspension / chassis and as I drove around he switched from one mic to another.

 

[hitenhirani]

Can somone confirmed what kind of noise?
Is it just when going over speed bumps? -the noise is in between a squeek and a bump?!

I have this is on my my w203 (facelift), but just put it down to everyone saying the w203 has bad suspension anyway, and that mine was possibly on the way out.

Free?! Warranty job from MB? my car is 4 years old, do you think MB would do this as 'goodwill'? I have a Warranty Direct policy, so could get this done under the policy, but if MB would do it free, would save £25 excess!!!

Thanks in advance.

 

[whitenemesis]

The 203 does not have bad suspension....

It has very good suspension, only it wears out rather quickly!!

Tha noise on my was more a knock accompanied by a creak / groan. It happened at low speeds, usually around car parks with the steering turned and negotiating changes in camber / ramps etc.

The creak one sometimes gets going over speed humps is probably a dry bush.

Worn bushes, trackrod ends, struts etc usually chatter over rough roads..

But it's not an exact science!!

 

[Smatt]

Can somone confirmed what kind of noise?
Is it just when going over speed bumps? -the noise is in between a squeek and a bump?!

I have this is on my my w203 (facelift), but just put it down to everyone saying the w203 has bad suspension anyway, and that mine was possibly on the way out.

Free?! Warranty job from MB? my car is 4 years old, do you think MB would do this as 'goodwill'? I have a Warranty Direct policy, so could get this done under the policy, but if MB would do it free, would save £25 excess!!!

Thanks in advance.

I had 'clonking'/clatter over speed bumps & car felt a little twitchy on potholed roads. This was sorted with new track rod ends at the front. Cost about £70- ride much better after
It depends on what the cause is on your car; on a 4yr old car, this may be put down to wear & tear, so unlikely covered.

 

[hitenhirani]

apologies, I do agree, very good suspension when I bought it, but over time (just a year and 7months) has started making these knocks/clonks/squeeks....
Time to get it in the garage!!!
Would I better off going to the stealers, indie, or an alignment/wheel place (e.g. Wheels in Motion)?
Sorry to keep asking questions, but this has bugged me for so long, and now there could be a simple(ish)/cheap solution, so want to get it sorted!

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.

 

[whitenemesis]

No apology neccessary!

At 4yrs I doubt MB would foot the bill, but if you don't ask......

I would go for the indie, not sure WiM do general suspension repairs?

 

[crockers]

Can somone confirmed what kind of noise?
Is it just when going over speed bumps? -the noise is in between a squeek and a bump?!

I have this is on my my w203 (facelift), but just put it down to everyone saying the w203 has bad suspension anyway, and that mine was possibly on the way out.

Free?! Warranty job from MB? my car is 4 years old, do you think MB would do this as 'goodwill'? I have a Warranty Direct policy, so could get this done under the policy, but if MB would do it free, would save £25 excess!!!

Thanks in advance.

If you're thinking of using WD..check the wording of what is covered and that they cover wear and tear on your policy.
I had that specifically added into my policy ....phewww...and also had my suspension checked by Olly @ PCS. But expect I too will soon fall foul of knocks and clangs..But it's not unique to MB - my wife's CR-V had to have a new strut...

 

[hitenhirani]

Olly is too far for me, but have read loads of good things, just hope one day, I will be able to make it to PCS.
OK, so I'll go the indie route.
Just to confirm, what is it that I would probably need? (I wont hold you to it, I promise! just a few items have been mentioned, and would like to know possible parts that I may need....)
And also, a mention of £70 was mentioned, but what would I expect to pay roughly, based on the parts I would need, and the labour too? again, I am only asking for rough price guides, and appreciate without hearing the noise or driving the vehicle, a proper assesment cannot be made, but just approx figures.

I would like to know, just in case my WD policy doesnt pay out, but will check my policy documents tonight.