W203 - knocking front drivers side.

[Davet543]

W203 - knocking front drivers side.
Hi All

I'm pretty new on here so here goes

I bought a c220 cdi O2 about 4months ago, it's been great so far.
About a week ago I noticed a knocking at low speed when going around right turns. Over the last week it has persistently got worse with (repetitive knocking/clicking from from drivers side) and now it even does it while going straight under 30.

Braking not effected (knocking actually goes when I brake )

Above about 40mph I can't hear anything - also it only starts after about 20miles.

Can anyone please help, I know that there has been a number of previous topics with this but I haven't read any that match my noise.

Cheers

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Probably not this but have you checked your wheel nuts are tight?
Also check for play in front wheel bearing.

 

[Davet543]

Hi

I thought this and all seem tight.

Could one of the nuts be cross thread, making it feel tight but actually not be fully in?

 

[Davet543]

Also check for play in front wheel bearing.

how would I check for play in the front wheel bearing?

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Chock the rear wheels, apply parking brake. Jack the car up and rest on axle stand if you have one so that the front wheel clears the ground enough to get one hand under the bottom, if you don't have an axle stand you can do it while the jack is holding it up but be careful and place one hand (slightly off bottom dead centre, in case the jack slips) place the other hand directly opposite at the top. Pull with either hand while pushing with the other and then vice versa and keep alternating the push pull motions. If there is play in the wheel bearing you should feel the wheel move a small amount. You will have to apply a fair bit of force as the brake pads will initially hold the hub. Then do the same thing side to side. (One hand on front of wheel, the other at back).




If there is any more than a very slight amount of movement you may need to adjust the bearing or if there is excessive movement the bearing will need replacing. Let me know if you need instructions on either of these.
There is usually an audible droning noise which can be heard inside the car when driving if the bearing is worn excessively.

While you have the car jacked up try spinning the wheel to see if anything is catching.

 

[tor_ake]

What is the state of your brake rotors? Sometimes rust swells on the back side of the disc (on the non-swept area) until it touches the dust cover and starts to make noise.

To diagnose, take off the wheel and look between the dust cover and the disc. Any rust shelling is easily removed with a sturdy screwdriver. Be careful not to let rust peelings fall down on the hub, as it can affect the ABS sensor, peel from below.

 

[Davet543]

What is the state of your brake rotors? Sometimes rust swells on the back side of the disc (on the non-swept area) until it touches the dust cover and starts to make noise.

To diagnose, take off the wheel and look between the dust cover and the disc. Any rust shelling is easily removed with a sturdy screwdriver. Be careful not to let rust peelings fall down on the hub, as it can affect the ABS sensor, peel from below.

Hi

The rotors (discs) are brand new. About 7 weeks old, I had them replaced due to a warped disc.

 

[SAFC]

If you're going to jack the car up and mess about, why not try swapping the front wheels over while you're on - just in case it's something daft on your driver's side wheel?
Sounds like a bearing, though.

 

[voy2age]

can not believe you would not have checked it from the first knock you had, why wait so long, one day you will have your family in the car and the bloody wheel will fall off..

i just hope i'm not driving next to you on my motorbike

 

[SAFC]

Mr Voy2Age,
Can I say one thing to you .... unhelpful.

 

[DSM10000]

Mr Voy2Age,
Can I say one thing to you .... unhelpful.

It's a gift, comes naturally to some people!

 

[voy2age]

Mr Voy2Age,
Can I say one thing to you .... unhelpful.

it may not help you now,

but it may help in the future if you check your car sooner.

 

[ZaraCharles]

Any Help would be much appreciated ..

I have a 06 CLK Sport Convertible 200K (Auto) 30,000 miles ...
I have been experiencing a judder when braking and now am experiencing a knocking noise from my drivers front wheel side. I have had the brake pads & discs looked at which are nearly new, the calipers checked, suspension springs checked & all my tyres are balanced and in very good condition.. . The car has no problem braking or coming to a stop even at higher speed, but does judder and I can hear the knocking/clanging noise when coming to the end of my brake or at lower speeds .. ie when approaching a junction or traffic lights. Any ideas would help ???

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

I have a 06 CLK Sport Convertible 200K (Auto) 30,000 miles ...
I have been experiencing a judder when braking and now am experiencing a knocking noise from my drivers front wheel side. I have had the brake pads & discs looked at which are nearly new, the calipers checked, suspension springs checked & all my tyres are balanced and in very good condition.. . The car has no problem braking or coming to a stop even at higher speed, but does judder and I can hear the knocking/clanging noise when coming to the end of my brake or at lower speeds .. ie when approaching a junction or traffic lights. Any ideas would help ???

Could be a sticking pad. The pads may look new but if they are a poor fit, or badly fitted in the first place, they will bind in the caliper and not run smooth. Pads need to come out and the whole area cleaned and checked. It's also possible that the car suffered heavy braking whilst the pads were new which can deposit material onto areas of the disc. Again, a strip and clean will reveal. Several other causes but start here and make sure the basics are right before replacing anything.

 

[dog68]

take the wheel off, and inspect everything.

 

[ccp]

I have a 06 CLK Sport Convertible 200K (Auto) 30,000 miles ...
I have been experiencing a judder when braking and now am experiencing a knocking noise from my drivers front wheel side. I have had the brake pads & discs looked at which are nearly new, the calipers checked, suspension springs checked & all my tyres are balanced and in very good condition.. . The car has no problem braking or coming to a stop even at higher speed, but does judder and I can hear the knocking/clanging noise when coming to the end of my brake or at lower speeds .. ie when approaching a junction or traffic lights. Any ideas would help ???

This was the bottom ball joint on my W203. A worn wheel bearing can also cause similar symptoms. Follow the instructions in "grumpyoldgit's" post to check it - or take it to your local friendly garage. It only takes 20 mins to check.

 

[mad4amanda]

Have you checked for a cracked roadspring , my w203 was exactly the same as this, even tothe point of starting when turning then when straight as well until it was done since then no problem

 

[gIzzE]

Could be a sticking pad. The pads may look new but if they are a poor fit, or badly fitted in the first place, they will bind in the caliper and not run smooth. Pads need to come out and the whole area cleaned and checked. It's also possible that the car suffered heavy braking whilst the pads were new which can deposit material onto areas of the disc. Again, a strip and clean will reveal. Several other causes but start here and make sure the basics are right before replacing anything.

Lower front ball joint.

Buy Lemforder arms, and do the upper fronts while you are at it they will be gone as well, or about to.
Plus new anti roll bar bushes and drop links.

Haggle hard with Eurocarparts and you could get 50% off that lot.