It's most likely the outer lower control arm bushing, infamous for squeaking. The part (Lemforder brand) is about $20, but you need a press tool to replace it with the minimal amount of pain. Check the DIY stickies for the procedure.

 

Paulcomi,

I have the tool that you would need to replace the rear spindle/knuckle bushing. I meant to put it up for sale, but haven't done so yet. See

https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/2892929-squeeking-rear-wheel.html#post16668633 Below are two pictures:

Let me know if you might be interested (and if you are, where you are located).

Before you do this, however, you might want to check how the rubber boots on the bushings look like. They become visible when you take the plastic cover off the lower control arm. I once chased a squeak in the rear end which I eventually found to be caused by a brake line rubbing against a bracket. A bit of silicone fixed the problem. (The rear knuckle bushings were still due for replacement, though, the boots on one of them were already torn.)

 

Hey I’ll keep this in mind thank you for the offer I am chasing this problem down today

 

Ordered new lower control arms instead of bushings. Hopefully this solves the issue.

 

Supporting joint that makes noise is pressed into wheel carrier and not part of lower control arm.

Part 220 352 02 27.

 

I am with tech4tech. My experience is with my W124, but it was those bushings. My friend the master mechanic fashioned a tool involving a bolt, pipe to be used with an impact wrench. They are not easy to R & R.

A trick he taught me in locating noises - with the car on a ramp, have a friend slowly push the car - run your fingers along bushings and parts you suspect. With a squeak you should feel just a bit of vibration on your fingertips.

 

For my W124, it was rust that had formed between the bushing and the body that was causing the squeaks

 

The part that you listed doesn’t bring up a picture. Do you mean that the bushing is pressed into that house and that has the brake disc and all the connecting points for the control arms that the wheel actually mounts onto ?

 

Since I’m going to have to disassemble the lower control arm I’m replacing them anyway. Then my suspension will be all new. But this is the bushing you’re referring to correct?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4ot5ZJciJ9Gvrz7e6[

https://photos.app.goo.gl/h8amefGL9zJ7Pft58

 

It's been a good 15 years since I did this and I can't tell you with certainty. But I do remember that the photos I provided were the bushings, and my (late) friend fashioned a tool - and needed an impact wrench - to drive out the old ones. They get rust on the outside and it is the rust that causes the squeak. My 124 sounded like an old covered wagon it was so bad.

 

If I end up replacing the knuckle bushing like I t looks like I might need to are you interested in renting it to me so you can still sell it ?

 

Hi Paulcomi,

Are you asking me about the tool? Where are you located? The cheapest domestic shipping option in the US (USPS medium flat rate box, I think) is around $15 one-way (i.e. shipping it twice would cost $30). What would a fair rental fee be -- $20? If you prefer not to buy it (you could resell it yourself afterwards), then we could certainly do that, but I would ask you to pay the $75 nonetheless as a deposit and would then reimburse you the difference (i.e. $40) when I receive it back. Let me know what you decide.

That aside, I would definitely try to make sure you know what you need to replace before ordering parts. I doubt your rear lower control arms need to be replaced--I don't think the very simply and sturdy inner bushing is prone to failure.

 

The lower control arms were only $40 each so I’m doing them for cheap insurance since I’ve done all the other bushings.

 

That would work fine for me.

 

That’s what we are dealing with no doubt. Sounds like a jalopy when my wife drives the kids to school.

 

Is this coil spring in the rear something that can be removed just by lowering the lower control arm without having to compress the coil?

 

I am pretty certain I have read somewhere (likely on this forum) that that can be done without risk, although it would be better if somebody more knowledgeable could confirm this.

If you are interested in the knuckle bushing tool, perhaps you could send me a "private message" (left click on my user name in the thread) and we could work out the details.

 

Update: thanks to someone in this thread who sold me the bushing press tool, I was able to remove and replace the bushing on the wheel knuckle and that solved the annoying squeaking. I was happily surprised to find that it was not necessary to remove the coil spring in order to replace this bushing. With the car on a jack stand and a floor jack under the lower control arm, the bolt at the bottom of the knuckle is removed and the knuckle is pulled out to separate the lower control arm. The tool is necessary to press the bushing out and also to drive the new one back in.

 

Well it’s been a month and my car drives great. No squeaks and problem solved. I shot s8me video while doing the repair and I hope it helps someone else. https://photos.app.goo.gl/GRsXpd7GmQVxXA8L8

 

Paulcomi,

Do you still have that bushing removal tool? If so, I would like to purchase it. My 97 E320 is driving me crazy.

I am unable to send a PM because it says I need to post 10 times. It's been awhile since I have posted here nd I guess that does not count so would like to do this via email if your ok with that.

bodineme445@gmail.com

Matt