W203 rear suspension noise

[Beno]

My C270 has started to develop some noise from the nearside rear end, It can best be described as sounding like something lose in the boot (I've checked there's not) , it happens at low speed on uneven roads. I've a feeling its the rear anti roll bar drop link on its way out, anyone have any experience with this? I'm going to wait for it to warm up a bit before i start clambering about under it but it would be nice to have a starting point so any ideas would be appreciated.

Tony

 

[nigel cross]

I will be interested in the outcome, as I have the same issue,(sounds like something is banging about ), but I cant see what it is.
I thought that it was the rear shockers, but changed those and still the same.

 

[Benza750]

Check the rear springs, they break around bottom coil & rattles around, also the rear anti-roll bar can wear thin where it sits in the rubber mounts.
Uf it's mire of a metallic clang it is likely to be the spring broken

 

[martyz]

Just replaced a broken anti roll bar retaining bracket on my 202 estate for the same symptoms you describe,when I say broken ,rusted through and split was the cause.yes worn drop links will make a knocking noise.

 

[ss201]

My W203 320 CDI estate has a slight banging noise occasionally. Just been through a B-service by my trusted indie who at my request thoroughly checked the rear suspension. Rear springs already replaced quite recently. He spotted slight play in the ARB bushes (the ARB is rusty at both ends) but rust coming from the control arm joint - the one with the ball & socket - which he recommended should be replaced in the near future. Good luck sorting yours.

 

[not the truker]

hi had a similar noise on my 54plate C22CDI turned out to be both rear springs broken
much better now they have been done

 

[Thirsty]

I had the same noise as Beno and Nigel on my 54 plate W203 with sports suspension for years. Sounded like a panel was being knocked - a hollow noise definitely coming from the nearside rear. After much research and checking for no broken springs I'd thought I'd fixed it by changing the shocks but NO. The noise came back again after a short 5 minute drive.
SOLVED -raised nearside rear, took wheel off, removed the lower arm protective plastic cover, cleaned all the rust out from where the spring sits in the lower arm seat, sprayed the coil to lower arm metal to metal contact area with plenty of GT85 (WD40 with PTFE lubricant) and then with a large screwdriver, as a lever, moved the coil from side to side in it's seat to make sure it was no longer rubbing. SUCCESS - It's been quiet for two months now so much relieved.
TRY THIS FIRST before spending money. Not saying it will fix all suspension related noise problems but worth a try.

 

[DSM10000]

I had the same noise as Beno and Nigel on my 54 plate W203 with sports suspension for years. Sounded like a panel was being knocked - a hollow noise definitely coming from the nearside rear. After much research and checking for no broken springs I'd thought I'd fixed it by changing the shocks but NO. The noise came back again after a short 5 minute drive.
SOLVED -raised nearside rear, took wheel off, removed the lower arm protective plastic cover, cleaned all the rust out from where the spring sits in the lower arm seat, sprayed the coil to lower arm metal to metal contact area with plenty of GT85 (WD40 with PTFE lubricant) and then with a large screwdriver, as a lever, moved the coil from side to side in it's seat to make sure it was no longer rubbing. SUCCESS - It's been quiet for two months now so much relieved.
TRY THIS FIRST before spending money. Not saying it will fix all suspension related noise problems but worth a try.

Excellent, I have had this for a couple of years and have not traced the problem. Will get it checked!

 

[HB]

Similar banging noise on ours. It's a broken rear nearside Spring, replacing both tomorrow.

 

[Thirsty]

Excellent, I have had this for a couple of years and have not traced the problem. Will get it checked!

DSM10000 - Let us know if it fixes the problem.

 

[Thirsty]

My GT85 spray didn't last. However, 7 years or so later I've finally fixed this annoying passenger side clonking noise.
Check the positioning of the rubber bush that's in the bodywork above the coil and install the lower metal shim (that a lot of people seem to ignore).

Make sure that the coil is hitting the rotational end stop in the control arm at the bottom of the coil and ALSO hitting the end stop of the rubber bush. The bush can be removed and rotated if needed.

See the post "W203 Rear spring rubbing" in this Forum.