Mercedes Suspension
The Mercedes brand is renowned for luxury and elegance. One of the very first automakers, they have refined their craft over many decades delivering true masterpieces. Sometimes though you may experience faults in your suspension; you might hear clunking and rattling noises and getting to the root cause of these issues is vital.
As your suspension is responsible for comfort, safety and handling, it must be in good working order at all times. Over time, as the suspension endures such abuse from bumpy roads and cornering, components wear out and parts need replacing.
What if you feel you could try to repair the clunking suspension yourself? In this blog, we explore the possible reasons why your suspension is making those clunking noises and see whether you can fix them yourself or whether you need professional help.
At Shires Garage, our clients visit us to address Mercedes suspension issues. With clients coming to us with all kinds of clunks and noises, our expert team are always on hand to assist with a prompt diagnosis and repair, getting you back on the road quickly!
Read on to find out more…
Common Suspension Noises and What They Mean
Your Mercedes-Benz suspension setup does more than just raise the car, it helps keep the car steady and ensures the tyres stay connected to the road, making your drive safe and smooth.
A suspension system typically consists of a coil spring integrating with the shock absorber. These parts are designed in different ways, such as shocks being filled with gas or oil, each designed for specific control of bouncing and vibrations in your Mercedes.
Suspension noises can appear from many sources, such as the lower control arm with its associated bushings linking the control arm to the vehicle’s chassis. Over time, these bushings can dry and develop cracks, resulting in knocking noises when driving.
Here are some common suspension noises and their potential causes:
- Control arm bushings: The control arm bushings can generate knocking noises while driving due to dryness and cracks.
- Tie rod ends: Worn tie rod ends may produce squeaking or clunking sounds when steering.
- Anti-roll bars: Broken rubber bushings in anti-roll bars can lead to knocking noises, especially over bumps.
- Track rod arms: On older vehicles, track rod arms can squeak, but this issue is less prevalent in modern cars.
- Shock absorbers: Problems with upper shock mounts can cause vibrations, thumping and resistance when turning.
- Coil springs and spring seats: Clanking noises may result from worn or missing rubber seats, especially in vehicles with shock absorber systems.
Understanding how each component causes different sounds puts you in a better position to identify your rattling or clunking. If you are unable to identify or need your suspension system diagnosed and repaired then contact our team of Mercedes experts at Shires Garage today!
Main Causes of Suspension Failure
There are many reasons why your Mercedes suspension is making a rattle noise. Here are the main culprits:
Normal wear and tear
After being exposed to constant stress, your suspension can wear out over time. Control arms, bushings and ball joints exert high forces and need replacing after a few years or during a collision with a pothole. However, the lifespan of your Mercedes suspension system depends on the driving conditions and mileage.
Misuse and damage
Objects get in the way of your vehicle sometimes and you may hit bumps, collide into a curb or any number of interactions can cause your suspension components to fail. If you constantly drive on rough terrain then ball studs and bearings within the suspension system can wear down due to increased friction. Driving around circuits and off-roading with a normal road car are two common examples of when suspension components fail.
Corrosion
As your suspension is made from steel there is always a risk of corrosion and rust when exposed to the environment. You must replace suspension components where any excess corrosion or rust appears.
Crashes
After an accident, it’s important to check the condition of the steering and suspension components. Control arms can bend and damage to shock absorbers and springs can cause premature failure.
Towing
If your Mercedes is often towing a heavy load, this increases stress on the entire vehicle, especially suspension components. Make sure that the towbar is correctly installed and that you are towing suitable trailers and loads recommended for your vehicle.
If you have experienced any of these and feel your suspension needs inspection and repair, then our dedicated Mercedes team here at Shires Garage is on hand to expertly help you get your vehicle back up and running as it should!
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Your Mercedes Suspension
Like many components in your Mercedes-Benz, your suspension needs regular maintenance to ensure it is in good working order. To prevent unwanted clunking or rattling noises in the future follow these tips:
- Check and adjust tyre pressures monthly, or every 1,000 miles.
- Where applicable, check the power steering fluid during every service.
- Have the tyres rotated every 6,000-10,000 miles.
- Have a garage carry out wheel tracking, especially after an incident with a large bump or pothole (or every 10,000 miles).
- Visually check suspension components every 15,000 miles.
- Consult your owner’s manual for any more specific suspension maintenance for your model.
At Shires Garage we perform regular suspension maintenance for our clients. With specialist knowledge of Mercedes suspension systems, you know you are in good hands with our expert team. Contact us today if you are hearing unwanted suspension noises.
Rely on Shires Garage
If you’re hearing worrying clunks and rattles from your Mercedes-Benz suspension, it’s wise to consult the team of professionals we have here at Shires Garage. Attempting to diagnose and resolve suspension problems can be challenging and the setup of Mercedes suspension systems demands specialised knowledge and equipment.
Our expert Mercedes team is well-equipped to provide comprehensive solutions to suspension-related issues. From identifying loose components to diagnosing hidden problems, we have the experience and expertise to ensure a safe and effective resolution. Don’t underestimate the importance of professional care when it comes to your luxury vehicle.
If you’re experiencing suspension noises in your Mercedes-Benz or need guidance on resolving these issues, reach out to Shires Garage today to schedule a professional inspection and ensure your Mercedes maintains its elegance and performance.
