I have an E300 wagon (TE300, 1989, 170,000 mi) with self-leveling rear suspension. When I roll over a speed bump, roll off a curb or roll over a pothole, even at low speeds (5 MPH) I hear a loud metalic clunk in the rear suspension (both sides) which startles all occupants in the car, including the driver. The noise occurs during the rebound (extension) of the wheel as if the shock was not damping the return of the wheel and possibly causing the shock to "top out" (i.e. become fully extended to its mechanical limit). Bouncing the car manually at rest, the shocks appear to work OK (i.e. it quickly comes to rest) and the ride over smaller bumps seems otherwise normal and quiet. I would not know if the self-leveling feature works or not. How would one know?

I've taken the car to my MB mechanic and he told me that my rear suspension was fine, "just get used to it". I am not so sure. I have owned this car for only one year and it has always done this. No other car I have ever owned has made such a noise.

Can anyone help me diagnose this problem?

Thanks,

Guy Gauvin

 

does the car ride funny ..stiff or bouncey..? if so ,could be press revsoirs