Numerous forum suggestions have lead me to believe that the rattle in my left front end/suspension (when going over a small bump) is due to bad control arm bushings. If that be the case can you eye ball the control arm and detect the bad bushings? Are special tools required or is that best left up to my indie shop?

tarheel75

That is most likely your lower ball joint. You should be able to see that the rubber boot is busted, letting the grease out from around the joint causing the sound your hearing. You have to press your new ball joint into place so you do need the right tools for the job just depends if you want to tackle it or not.

Nice use of the subjunctive tense. Don't see that much anymore.

__________________
1988 California version 260E (W124)
Anthracite Grey/Palomino
Owned since new and still going strong and smooth
MBCA member

Past Mercedes-Benz:
1986 190E Baby Benz
1967 230 Inherited from mom when she downsized
1959 220S Introduced me to the joys of keepin' 'em goin'

There are only 10 kinds of people in the world--those who understand binary and those who don't

This AM I took off the left front wheel and did a visual inspection of the lower ball joint boot. I sprayed it with a degreaser and wiped it clean with a cloth. The boot is very much intact and doesn't have any cracks in it. I know that the weather and road elements take it's toll on rubber including those on the control arm bushings. The weather/road conditions here in Eastern NC doesn't compare to areas that I've lived in the midwest. The rattle that I have sounds like you have a loose bumper and more like loose metal on metal. My next option is a trip to my local indie MB shop. Thanks for your feedback.

tarheel75

Brackets for the sway bar not bolted tightly or broken?

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon

Sorry but no cigar.....all component parts on the sway bar show no signs of either being broken or loose. When I first heard this noise I checked my left front brake pads thinking that the shims were making the noise. However the heavy grease on the shims shot that idea down. I even went so far as removing the brake dust shield inside the wheel. This will be a good test for my indie shop and I hope they succeed. Thanks for your suggestion.

tarheel75

Hurray!!!......problem solved. The rattle was caused by a faulty anti-rattle spring on the outboard pad. Since these pads had a lifetime warranty the only cost was my labor. I did a test drive and intentionally drove over small bumps and manhole covers.

tarheel75