W203 strange noise from nsr

[surebet]

Whilst driving car today I experienced a strange noise (sounds llke a bong, like a sping in a hollow drum) when going over a hole or bump in the road or cornering hard to the left. I can imagine all mechanics laughing at the description however its a noise I've never heard before in any vehicle. Car has a careful 40,000 , 52 plate 180k. The exhaust appears to be ok however I've only had a quick look. Car drives fine and handling seems ok. I would be grateful if anyone can shed any light on this type of noise.
Thanks for all who took the time to read.

 

[markjay]

I would think it is worth checking the springs - one or more may have snapped.

 

[grober]

BROKEN FRONT/REAR SPRING 100% certainty- IF ITS COMING FROM THE REAR THEN REAR SPRING
CHANGE BOTH SIDES--- keeps the car level as at high mileage the other old one will have sagged a bit. A good local garage/MB specialist should be able to do this for you. Easy to do by dropping the rear spring suspension arm at its inner pivot bolt.

 

[surebet]

Thanks Markjay and Grober for responding to my question, has anyone any idea of the cost involved in replacing both rear springs. The car has always been serviced and repaired at Mercedes, I know the car is quite old however has low mileage and at would not have expected springs to fail at mileage.Am I better to continue to have car repaired at Mercedes or go somewhere else.

 

[grober]

Should not be too expensive- MB springs will be about £50 each say another £20 for bolts/washers plus the labour [ 1-1.5 HOURS] ! best to get a quote from your dealer - be sure to ask for a discount as an older model owner. Otherwise you could try MERPARTS Merparts Ltd,Mercedes-Benz vehicle Specialist,Ashgrove Lane,Port Glasgow,PA14 5NQ

 

[surebet]

Been to local garage,not Mercedes, really helpful, checked car and located rear near side spring broken. advised me to only renew broken spring as only shockers need to be renewed in pairs. quoted £55 for Lesjofors spring and £30 fitting plus vat. Good price and guy seems genuine however should I only do one side and fit copy part or stick with Mercedes.

 

[grober]

Honestly at that price for labour I would do both. And at that LESJOFORS spring price I would go with genuine MB. Its not strictly necessary BUT the spring breaking phenomenon is an age/corrosion related thing. so its possible the other spring will also go shortly. In addition springs do sag a bit so the ride height/ spring rating might not be even side to side. Its nice to line up 2 new springs side by side on the bench and check they are the same height whether they are Lesjofors or Mercedes before you fit them.

So MY ADVICE fit both sides and go for Mercedes quote your CHASSIS NO to the MB parts guys and you should get exactly the right rated springs.

 

[surebet]

Thanks Graeme for the advice, car booked into Mercedes tomorrow, price quoted for supply and fit both springs £225. Glad to see dealerships will compete on price and I would much rather go to them as they are working on mercs day in day out. will let you now how job goes.

Alan