Hello All. Have a problem with the front end rattling on very uneven pavement. The shocks seem in good shape: nice smooth, controlled ride on most surfaces. I know the strut bearings can wear on Volkswagens, is it possible that the same is occuring here? The car has 120K, but still feels very tight. Again, the only time there is any indication of a problem is on rough "country" roads where there are a lot of quick undulations in the surface. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

It's probably one or more worn rubber bushings. I'd get it up on ramps or park it where you can crawl underneath it. Use a rubber hammer to pound on stuff (anti-sway bar ends, etc) to see if you can find a rattle. Also, visually check the bushings.

Don't jack it up and leave the wheels hanging. The suspension geometry changes when you do that so you may never find the rattle.

 

Hi Touring,
I would suggest the suspension lower ball joints at 120k.
A known problem on E/S class of this vintage.
If water gets into a ball joint it starts to rust and in time causes the problem you report.
It's difficult to confirm that the ball joint is defective since due to the weight of the vehicle it is difficult to detect play unless it is VERY bad. Look for damage around the rubber bellows. If there is a tear/hole it will undoubtedly be the joint at fault.
Rubber bushings do de-laminate due to corrosion but this is more common on slab type engine mounts due to oil contamination or heat from the exhaust. Concentric type suspension bushes usually squeak/creak rather than rattle unless they are VERY bad and no rubber is left between the centre and the outer metal bits. (metal to metal contact)
Stuart