Why does the Mercedes-Benz C200L make a clunking sound when going over speed bumps?
2 Answers
Abnormal noises when a vehicle goes over speed bumps are mostly related to the chassis components. Loose parts: Due to violent impacts or the installation of other equipment, mutual interference between two components may occur; reshaping, repair, or replacement of the relevant parts can eliminate the interference. Loose bolts or nuts: Long-term driving on roads with poor conditions can cause bolts to loosen, or improper disassembly or installation can lead to bolt damage or insufficient torque; bolts can be tightened, and replaced if necessary. Drive shaft universal joint failure: Damaged dust covers and oil leaks that are not repaired in time can cause abnormal wear of small bearings; new outer (inner) CV joints or universal joints can be replaced.
My Mercedes-Benz C200L also had that clunking noise when going over speed bumps recently. After some research, I found it was mainly suspension system issues. The stabilizer bar links are most prone to failure - when their rubber bushings wear out, metal-on-metal contact causes that clunking sound. The shock absorber top mounts are another troublemaker; the plastic material cracks and deforms over time, making every bump sound like drumbeats. If the lower control arm bushings fail, it's worse as they directly affect wheel alignment. Another often overlooked culprit is the brake caliper guide pins - when rusted and stuck, they cause loud banging noises. Don't tough it out like I did initially. Get undercarriage inspections at the first sign of noise, or you might end up like me spending nearly 10k yuan replacing the entire suspension system - what a heartbreaker.
