W210 / S210 estate rear suspension noise...has anyone ever fixed this?

[carswaps]

I,m going to replace the spheres first then If I need to I'll do the struts also.
Thanks for your posts on this Guys

 

[carswaps]

Just an update on this for others who may have the same problem.

I have changed the spheres today, fitted a new filter in the reservoir then bled the system by disconnecting the self level actuator arm and manually operating the self level system up and down.
At first not much happened then after 5-10 minutes the car started to lift, at this point I stopped the car, checked the reservoir level and added more fluid.
Re started the car, up and down again then re attached the actuator arm.
Went for a drive and ?????? No change still clonking
Back on the ramps, more up and down, more fluid added as it took a little more.
Back out for a drive and still the same!
Had a cuppa whilst sitting looking at the back end and I thought it looked a little low.
Back on the ramps, adjusted the actuator arm from A: the lower hole to B: the upper hole (Not sure if it should have been in B all along?) and the last thing I did was unbolt both lower shock mounts (2 x 16mm bolts and nuts on each side) greased and re torqued.
Went for a drive and ?????
Cured no noise at all

 

[renault12ts]

Result. But was it the bottom bolts or the move to B on the sensor?

 

[carswaps]

Result. But was it the bottom bolts or the move to B on the sensor?

That I can't tell you!
I read about the re-torquing of the bottom shock bolts on an American forum and whilst under the car thought it was worth a go!
Also from reading many other peoples posts with the same problem most said that the clonking/noises vanished when the car was loaded!
Thinking about it now I wonder if the vehicles just sink over time when not having any sort of load put in it?
Almost as though the shocks are at lowest point and have no damping effect at all.

Still have a tiny rattle but think its inside the tailgate so will sort that in the next few days.

 

[Mr ATK]

Steve, have you done anything else about this problem? My estate has the same issues. The rams are sound & when I move the control valve arm, the ride hight moves up & down. have decided to replace the spheres but can't find them @70 though, for info, the rams are available just over £200 on ebay. weather will have to improve before I get it done. Roll on spring!

 

[230K]

I have just learnt to live with the noise.

Mine is silent when loaded.

Glad you got it sorted.

230k

Sent from my GT-I9505 using MBClub UK

 

[Mr ATK]

Oops, sorry guys didn't see page 2 before rushing to post. My actuator arm is located in the upper "B" hole. thanks folks for all the info, hope I get away with just the spheres.

 

[carswaps]

Steve, have you done anything else about this problem? My estate has the same issues. The rams are sound & when I move the control valve arm, the ride hight moves up & down. have decided to replace the spheres but can't find them @70 though, for info, the rams are available just over £200 on ebay. weather will have to improve before I get it done. Roll on spring!

Did you read my post mate? I sorted the problem today.....no more noise
Load the car up with 4 or 5 adults in the car, see if the noise goes if it does I would say it is the spheres but also the ride height may need adjusting after fitting them.
Good luck, it drove me crazy!
I paid £67 each for Corteco O.E spheres from my local car spares shop.
Euro car parts are doing them for £62 including free delivery.
Suspension Sphere | Suspension Spheres for every make and model

 

[Mr ATK]

Yeh, did read your other posts, when this newbie found page2! a couple cwt. of ballast does the trick, & many thanks on finding cheaper replacements

 

[Mr ATK]

Forgot to say, the difference between A & B holes (in carswaps' photo) was 3cms ride height on my car