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2016 S550 - Rough Ride and Clunking Noise Over Bumps

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:06 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550

Hello everyone, I own a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 (W222 chassis) with about 75,000 miles, and lately, the ride quality has really deteriorated. It used to be like riding on a cloud, but now it feels much stiffer and harsher, especially over small bumps and uneven pavement.

To make matters worse, I'm hearing a distinct 'clunking' noise from the front suspension, particularly when going over speed bumps or potholes. It's not a constant noise, but it's very noticeable when the suspension articulates. I'm worried something significant is worn out. I have the Airmatic suspension, not ABC.

Could this be related to the air struts, or perhaps bushings or ball joints? What should I be looking for? Any S-Class owners with similar experiences or advice on what components commonly fail around this mileage? Thanks in advance!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:06 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The combination of a rougher ride and a clunking noise over bumps in your 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 with Airmatic suspension strongly suggests wear in key suspension components. While the Airmatic system itself provides the damping, the mechanical linkages and bushings are still subject to wear and tear.

Common Causes:

  1. Worn Control Arm Bushings: These are very common failure points. The rubber in the bushings degrades over time, leading to excessive play and causing metal-on-metal contact or movement that results in clunking noises. This also contributes to a harsher ride as the dampening effect of the bushings is lost.
  2. Worn Ball Joints: Ball joints connect various suspension components and allow for articulation. If they wear out, they develop play and can cause clunking, especially when the wheel moves up and down.
  3. Stabilizer Bar Links/Bushings: The sway bar (stabilizer bar) links connect the sway bar to the control arms, and its bushings hold it to the chassis. Worn links or bushings can cause a distinct knocking or clunking noise over bumps.
  4. Failing Air Struts/Shocks: While the air spring itself might not be leaking (causing sagging), the internal shock absorber component of the Airmatic strut can wear out, leading to reduced dampening and a harsher ride. If the strut is internally damaged, it can also contribute to noises.

When to See a Shop:

It's crucial to have a professional inspect your suspension immediately. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to:

  • Accelerated Wear on Other Components: Worn parts put undue stress on adjacent components.
  • Compromised Handling and Braking: Affects steering precision, tire contact with the road, and overall vehicle stability.
  • Safety Risk: Severely worn components can fail, leading to dangerous loss of control.

What a Shop Will Do:

A Mercedes-Benz specialist will perform a thorough visual inspection of all front (and possibly rear) suspension components, looking for torn bushings, play in ball joints, and any signs of damage to the air struts. They will often lift the vehicle and use pry bars to check for excessive play in various joints and bushings. They may also perform a road test to confirm the noises and ride quality issues. Expect recommendations for replacing specific control arms, ball joints, or stabilizer links/bushings, and potentially air struts if their dampening is found to be compromised.

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