W204 c220 cdi front drop links?

[Martygt550]

hi folks my 2011 w204 sometimes has a juddering type suspension noise on the near side front when cornering on rough road surface,I removed the front wheels this morning and could see no sign of rubbing or tearing of bushes, I had a poke around the control arms ect with a long tyre lever and couldn't see any signs of movement,the only thing is the drop links can be moved by hand,they are securely fixed to the car with no damage to the boots,I can't introduce any movement with the pry bar question is SHOULD I be able to easily move the link or should they be stiff/hard to move? I've bought new ones and the rose joints feel stiffer but not much, I don't really want to fit new pts if there's something else wrong, any ideas???.?
Cheers marty

 

[Yugguy]

What do you mean by move? The joints in the drop link are not fixed, they are meant to move with the suspension, and you can sort of rotate the bar, but there shouldn't be play in them and they shouldnt be loose in their sockets.

They're easyish to change if you have the right torx bit to hold the middle, but space is very tight. I have used a ratchet spanner and a dog-legged Torx bit before now, Why they don't put flats in the bolt to help hold it I do not know.

 

[Martygt550]

I've changed drop links on other cars but there was always signs of wear/movement a and /or ripped grease boots,the movement I'm talking about is the natural way they are designed to work,they just feel very free on the rose joints but not dry or notchy and no outward movement,I think I'll have a look at the brake caliper mounts or the pads for rattling as I really don't think there's any wear in the suspension that would cause the noise I'm hearing,thanks for the reply,

 

[Borris1954]

I have read a good way to identify if its the drop link is to disconnect one end and tape the link out of the way. Carefully go for a short drive and if the noise has gone the drop link or connecting joints are the issue. No change means the search goes on...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[Yugguy]

Not like either of these sounds?

Front Strut / Shock Tower: By Symptom
Technical Service Bulletin # LI32-25_P-048381
Date: 091208
Suspension - Front Axle Dull Thumping Noise On Bumps
NOISES FROM VICINITY OF FRONT AXLE ON UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE
Topic number
LI32.25-P-048381
Version
1
Design group
32.25 Shock absorbers/damper struts/spring struts
Date
12-08-2009
Validity
Model 204 without code 483 (Vehicle dynamics package), without AMG; Model 204.0## #A 185017 up to * 195993 with head bearing
Reason for change
Topic extended to FA shock absorber / torsion bar linkage. / Supersedes DTB P-B-32.25/67
Reason for block
Complaint:
Dull thumping noises or metallic rattling from vicinity of front axle on slightly uneven road surface and/or repaired road surface.
Note:
Noises occur in lower speed range (20...approx. 70km/h).
Cause:
Several causes are possible:
1. Head bearings on front axle suspension struts are too stiff (Shore hardness).
Note:
Noises from the head bearing occur on more uneven surfaces and sound relatively dull.
This cause affects only a small, limited production batch! Pay attention to the VIN restriction for head bearings (EPC: "Bearing, suspension strut to
body") in Validity section! On vehicles outside the restriction range, the head bearing is not the cause of the noise and may therefore not be replaced.
2. Shock absorber
Note:
Noises from the shock absorber are audible on slightly uneven surfaces and sound rather more metallic.
3. Torsion bar linkage
Note:
Noises caused by a torsion bar linkage only occur in a very small number of cases on this model series.

 

[Martygt550]

Interesting,thanks,I'm going to have to let it become more audible as its not happening all the time and I can't see any visible signs of wear/leaks/movement,one thing I did notice which seems related is the cheapo wheel center(evil bay,looks good but is a bit loose fitting)was making noise when I bounced the wheel,so I put tape round it and the noise is practically gone,I'm going to remove the center and see if it goes away completely,I think I MAY have found the problem,I like a cheap fix!