W203 C180K squelching/creaking

[JC180]

Hi All,

This has been bothering me for a while but I have thought it a feature of the car. The roads around my place are dreadful and my car shakes a little and creakes over really broken ground, this could just be normal tolerances of body flex especially in an estate but I wonder if it could be something else suspension wise?

Secondly the steering creakes when under load, particularly bad when cold but is apparent all day. (P/S Fluid is full) Could this be due to a low idle (600rpm) which is not powerful enough to work the pump to its full? It sounds like it might stall when on full lock.

Thirdly when going over road humps the dampers really squelch, an indie has told me that the dampers should last the life of the car and unless leaking (which they are not) should never need replacing but I wonder.

The car has done 86K (FMBSH) and has not had the drop links done since 42K, would a few suspension changes (dampers, drop links, bushes etc) drastically improve things? The car could do with being a bit more refined around town I feel.

Any views knowledgeable folks?

Cheers

Jacob

 

[recycled]

i think the power steering fluid needs to heat up to work properly. might need total changing
The creaks are usually there after about 80k miles for a w203.
changing bushes mght improve it.

 

[BlackC55]

There are a coulple od reasons why they creak. One is ARB bushes causing creaking (modified type available) and when you steer the shocker top mounts creak when turned.

The thrust arm bushes have a tendency to wear out and loose their oil (oil filled bush!!) causing a creak/knock when braking.

The front suspension on the 203's are well known to be poor but when the modified parts are fitted it can transform the handling.

 

[Dieselman]

Could also be bottom ball joints worn and causing both the knocking and creaking.

As far as dampers, they do not last the life of the car but wouldn't normally squelsh.
A new set will give noticably better handling and ride.

 

[miro]

Could also be bottom ball joints worn and causing both the knocking and creaking.

As far as dampers, they do not last the life of the car but wouldn't normally squelsh.
A new set will give noticably better handling and ride.

- drop links are catching or not riding smoothly
- worn sway bushes / no lubricant
- worn thrust bushes
- loose bolts

At least that is what I had causing noises on my W203.

 

[JC180]

Thanks Recycled and Ollie

There are a coulple od reasons why they creak. One is ARB bushes causing creaking (modified type available) and when you steer the shocker top mounts creak when turned.

Can these be replaced? Approx cost?

The thrust arm bushes have a tendency to wear out and loose their oil (oil filled bush!!) causing a creak/knock when braking.

Any chance of an approx cost on replacing these too?

The front suspension on the 203's are well known to be poor but when the modified parts are fitted it can transform the handling.

Yipee Kaye here's to hoping it does!

 

[miro]

Thanks Recycled and Ollie

Can these be replaced? Approx cost?

Any chance of an approx cost on replacing these too?

Yipee Kaye here's to hoping it does!

Strange .... I put a whole bunch of prices just now on another thread. This seems to be a weekly thread now .... must be a plague !

Bolts kit = 10 Euro
Thrust Bushing = 20 Euro (2)
Wheel Bearing kit with grease = 20 euro (2)

Complete thrust arm = 140 Euro (for DIY replacement)

You could also look at drop links and sway bar bushes.

 

[JC180]

Ok done a little bit of research

Prices for the following; -

Front spring £45.44
Shock Absorber £106.87
ARB Link (drop link?) £24.67
Track rod end £26.47

Can anyone tell me what number the ARB bushes are in this pic?

What of the above needs replacing and can I get the dampers cheaper anywhere else?

Dont know what a thrust arm is

Everyone has different terminology for suspension components which is very confusing.

 

[Dieselman]

Can anyone tell me what number the ARB bushes are in this pic?

What of the above needs replacing and can I get the dampers cheaper anywhere else?

Item 20.

Dampers MAY be cheaper from ECP or other motor Factor.

 

[BlackC55]

First you must decide what the cause is.

 

[JC180]

First you must decide what the cause is.

Would a good indie be able to find the cause from a short test drive and putting it up on the ramps?

 

[BlackC55]

Yes of course.

Get under the car too and get him to show you.