Irregular clunking in left rear

[MK500]

Have an irregular clunking / knock in left rear and can’t identify it. Ideas?

 

[luckymike]

Loose exhaust?

 

[gerryvz]

For all E500Es and 400E420s equipped with rear SLS, clunking in the rear (particularly over speed bumps and irregular pavement) is quite often the bottom bushing of the driver’s side rear SLS strut.

This generally appears first and is worst on the passenger side.

This requires replacement of both struts.

Well documented here on the forum as a symptom and also a DIY HOW-TO on replacement.

 

[MK500]

Thanks again!

 

[gerryvz]

Thanks again!

HOW-TO: Replacing E500E SLS Rear Hydraulic Struts | "HOW-TO" Tutorial Articles

Introduction and Background A common malady that ALL E500Es (and 400E/E420s with rear SLS) suffer sooner or later, is a distinct and loud "clunking" at the rear, when the car travels over certain bumps. Not ALL bumps, but certain sharp bumps such as curbs, large pavement cracks/potholes and...

www.500eboard.co

 

[TimL]

Hurry because the rear SLS shocks are extremely close to NLA (30 something left worldwide about 4 weeks ago). Front shocks (struts; the late version) are already NLA

 

[Lavaone]

Is there any way to find out if all 30 sold in a year - or where the remainder are?

 

[TimL]

Is there any way to find out if all 30 sold in a year - or where the remainder are?

yes, go to your local MB dealer and ask him to check for global inventory of these.

 

[Lavaone]

Thanks, will do.

 

[gsxr]

Last I heard these were hard NLA through dealer channels. There's some for sale on eBay in UK, but not cheap. Seller is a forum member, don't know if he'll sell for less "off eBay":

Shock E500 for sale | eBay

Find great deals on eBay for Shock E500. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Lavaone]

thank you. Not sure what good 1 will do me and at $2000 per I’m not quite willing to find out.

 

[Lavaone]

I take it back, I see there are two available. Tempted.

 

[gsxr]

The OEM Sachs are "only" $3100 for the pair! First verify the lower joint is indeed the problem though...

 

[Lavaone]

Thank you, I often feel like I'm chasing unicorn poop. I would never have imagined myself contemplating paying $3100 for only 2 shocks for a car that's 30 years old. Knowing full well that the front pair can't be found for a fair price either.

Yet here I am.

This love affair may have run its course.

 

[gsxr]

Front struts are still available new from the dealer. It's the rear SLS hydrolegs that went NLA and are causing headaches.

Again, I'd perform additional investigation before buying anything.

 

[Lavaone]

I appreciate your advice. As I don't possess a lift I'll be and bringing my 94 into my indy mechanic for his assessment.

I thought I'd read that the fronts were also NLA so I am pleasantly surprised to read their still available.

For Sale signs off (for now).