1988 MB 420SEL Front end Noise

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mercmerc - 11 Jun 2004 22:04 GMT

I have been hearing a thumping sound in the front end of my 88 420SEL, I
ordered a new set of Bilstien shocks and installed them last Sat.
afternoon, I really helped the ride and quieted down the thump but it is
still there, it is very noticable on gravel, thats why I thought it was a
shock bottoming out but now I am leaning toward bushings, I handles like a
dream on the open road with no indication of a problem but when on rough
roads or gravelled lots or roads it is still there. Can anyone suggest
the next step in the repair process. Tnx, Tim

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Tiger - 11 Jun 2004 23:26 GMT

I bet it sounds like thud thud thud... when you hit a bump or when you turn.

I would check one thing before I do the other work.

First... see that ball joint just above your front tire in the back? Grab
that rubber part... then push the car up and down... if you feel any play
there... then that is it. They go bad at about 150,000 miles or so.

Do that test on both front wheels.

If not, then I would suspect the thrust arm bushing,,, on the lower control
arm... a rod that goes diagonally toward center of the car... onto the
subframe.

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mercmerc - 12 Jun 2004 01:13 GMT

I know exactly where you are talking about...do you have an estimate of
parts cost for this and can a shade tree mechanic do the job on the MB or
should it be taken to a shop, also, will the car need an alignment after
the ball joints are replaced? By the way the care has 149,500 miles on
it ....HAHA....Thanks for the help, Tim

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Tiger - 12 Jun 2004 01:32 GMT

About $80 for the upper control arm... yes, you can do the job yourself if
you want. Just review the MB service manual on how to do it. The critical
thing is jack the car up... take wheel off...put the jackstand under the
lower control arm by the knuckle... and lower it... You want the car like
if it is on the wheel...spring compressed by the car weight... (Otherwise,
the spring will pop out and nightmare injuries)

The thrust arm bushings are pretty hard to do on the ground, but if you are
determined... you can do so with air hammer to knock out that bushing.

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