Mercedes-Benz W140 chassis creaks and rattles
W140 front end creaks, what causes it?
A typical cause is a dried-out lower ball joint. The noise has stopped after grease or oil was applied under the joint's rubber boot. If the joint is worn, it is replaced; the other front joints can be greased at the same time.
W140 rear end creaks over potholes, where does the noise come from?
The most common source is the outer bushing joint of the rear lower control arm, the so-called creak joint, one per side. Other causes are dried-out lower shock rubbers and the rear axle bushings. Lubrication alone does not fix a worn part.
What can cause a W140 chassis rattle?
Rattling can be caused by loose joints in the anti-roll bar links. When replacing the shock absorbers has not helped, check them. Replacing the anti-roll bar rubber brackets does not necessarily remove the noise. Steering and suspension parts are safety-critical, so have a workshop inspect them.