Klok Klok Sound when turning to park - W204 PreFL

[sliver88]

Hi all,

 

I am driving a Pre FL W204.

 

I have this "klok klok" sound coming from the front when parking.

 

I have replaced the link rod but it still happens.

 

Anyone knows what's happening or have experienced this before?

 

Appreciate your reply.

 

 

Thank you,

 

 

 

[BabyA]

Do u get the sound...

- only going forward?

- only going backwards?

- regardless of forward or backwards.

[sliver88]

oh, this I did not really notice. It seems like it's both forward and backwards. Not every time though bit it happens frequently.

[BabyA]

I assume the sound only happens when u are turning (not when moving straight) during parking? ... and even during a U-turn?

If yes, may want to have the drive shaft checked.

[sliver88]

Bro, yes, I will.

Thanks for your input.

[Elly]

Hi Sliver88,

 

Can I know if it's indeed the Drive Shaft problem? I'm experiencing the same issue now. So, wondering how much the damage gonna be especially since I just tio a "Orange Key". 

 

Thanks

[PearlJam]

You are driving a W204?  That is rear-wheel driven.

And the sound is from the front.

The prop shafts of the W204 starts from behind the gear box.

So don't pay attention to those who tell you it might be drive shaft cos only the As and Bs are front-wheel driven and they have the half shafts up front.

 

Yes, they are nice folks and they were helpful but they were asking you to bark up the wrong tree. 

< Just teasing, relax BabyA    > 

 

I had the same problem with my W203 since early days.  C&C never did solve the problem.

I suspect you are having the same problem as I did.  At the lower front suspension arm area, the steering tie rod is the likely culprit.  Worn out.

I had the right side changed, did not cost me more than S$200 all-in.  (I paid for parts, my friend fixed it for me.  We used to be D-i-Y enthusiasts, we had to fix our own cars when we were students or pay through our noses)

You mentioned that you have replaced the link rods so I presume those are the steering tie rods?

Since that failed, consider this:  there is some sort of shim within the connecting bolt and nuts.  And according to my friend, costs a couple of dollars.  Those might have worn out.

In my case, the problem was solved.  I didn't have to change the shims.  It has been 2 years since.

 

I will suggest this to you.  Get someone to reverse the car while you stand outside and listen.  Obviously choose a quiet place or a cemetary la.

Then determine if the sound is from which side or both.

Also, check if the sound is there if you do NOT completely turn the steering to the end (full lock).  I suspect it only happens when you apply full lock.

Then go to a friendly mechanic, (best to go on a quiet Tuesday when they are not so busy) raise the car and get him to tighten the suspension lower arms and the steering rod(s).

See if that works.  If the sound goes and comes back again after a few weeks or months, likely that steering rod connection has worn out.

 

I had a bad time with that noise, fearing that the car might suddenly crash into the ground while being driven or the steering breaks and lose control.

But I think it is just a nuisance and not a safety hazard.

 

I really hope that helps.  I am here to share experiences but I am no expert so please do not scold me.

[PearlJam]

By the way, those of you driving As and Bs, front wheel driven, if there is a continuous clacking sound from the front when you turn, then it is likely a half-shaft (Prop shaft) problem.  The CV joint would have worn out and you need to replace those.  This happens when you hit a object and damage the protective rubber boot and then sand and debris get into the joints, the grease oozes out and the CV joints fail.  These days this is hardly possible because there is a protective plastic cover protecting the base of the engine but it is good to check if you have had a big scrape over a hump or a rock.

[BabyA]

PearlJam,

Got memory lapse and didn't release this segment is W204 i.e. RWD & 4WD, and not FWD. LOL.

Yea only A & B are FWD for MB.

Cheers

[sliver88]

Hi Elly,

 

Yes, the C class is rear wheel drive, so the drive shaft is behind. After changing the link rod, and I was comtemplating whether to change the lower arm which might be the culprit as it is a moving part. So, when I went to Tye Soon @ Waterloo St., they asked me if it was the inner or the outer arm? I was like "er", I dun know and was quoted about S$240 per pair per side. So, since I had to change my engine mounting, I just bought my mounts and asked my mechanic to check when my engine mount is being done so I can avoid getting the unnecessary parts.

 

After changing my engine mount, the " klok klok" sound did not surface for the last one week. I only knew that it came from my driver's side but I cannot determine if it is really from the lower arm. Keeping my fingers crossed and hope it does not surface again.

 

Changing the engine mount makes a whole lot of difference to my ride. I am always suspicious of whether if it is my tires being noisy, or my shocks when passing through a road hump, or trying to find out where is the rattling sound. I was paranoid that something might give way and may lose control of my car. LOL.

 

My car is so quiet now and I know the little noise now is coming from my tires which are due for change soon. 

 

 

Pearljam,

 

Thanks for your input. Really aprreciates. Who says Merc drivers are arrogant people. We are all nice folks !!!

 

 

Since we are here, anyone knows the amount of transmission oil needed for a C180K 1.6?

 

Thank you very much !!!!