When you buy a Mercedes you expect to enjoy a smooth ride. But what if you hear a rattle from the back end, near the rear suspension? It can be disturbing when your luxury car does not run as quietly as it should. Knowing the reason why your Mercedes rattles in the rear can help you deal with the problem more efficiently. Here is a rundown of the main factors that may lead to the rattling of the rear suspension in your Mercedes.
What Makes The Rear Suspension Rattle?
- Worn Out Bushings: One of the most common sources of rear suspension rattling in Mercedes vehicles is worn-out bushings. Bushings are rubber or polyurethane parts that serve as cushioning or support for many suspension parts. After a certain period of time, these bushings may lose their original properties as a result of friction, heat, and environmental effects which can cause inappropriate movement and play of the suspension system. This will cause the vehicle to produce rattling noises when driven on rough roads or bumps.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear also sometimes creates a rattling sound in Mercedes vehicles’ rear suspension. If the tires have uneven wear patterns or varying tread depth they may develop vibrations and noise, especially at high speeds. Properly balancing and rotating the tires periodically as well as aligning them can all contribute to wear reduction which will prevent the suspension from rattling while driving.
- Loose or Damaged Suspension Components: Another possible reason for the rear suspension rattle could be the suspension components becoming loose or damaged. This could include control arms, sway bar links, or stabilizer bar bushings. When these parts become loose or are worn out, they can cause a rattling noise as a result of movement and vibration while driving. Examining these parts for indications of damage or wear and then tightening or replacing those parts as required will remove the rattle.
- Improper Installation of Aftermarket Parts: When your Mercedes has been customized with aftermarket suspension components or accessories, the careless installation of these parts can be responsible for the rattling of the rear suspension. Poorly fitting or wrongly installed aftermarket parts can cause interference with the other components and produce unwanted noises and vibrations. Making sure the aftermarket parts are installed properly and securely will prevent the rear suspension from rattling and will maintain the integrity of your vehicle’s suspension system.
- Exhaust System Contact: There are some situations when the rear suspension rattling can be caused by contact between the exhaust system and other parts, for instance, heat shields and suspension parts. This may take place because of the loosening of the exhaust hanger, worn-out rubber mount, or the improper installation of aftermarket exhaust components. Checking the exhaust system for any sign of damage and fixing if there is any can help get rid of rattling noises and prevent further damage to the suspension system.
How to Avoid These Problems
- Regular Maintenance: One of the most beneficial things you can do for your car is to have a qualified mechanic check it regularly. During these check-ups, many of the problems that may develop can be caught and fixed before they get worse. Your mechanic can tighten loose bolts, discard worn parts, and resolve other potential problems during the routine maintenance visits.
- Listen to Your Car: Be aware of the noises that your car makes. If you begin to notice weird sounds from the back end like rattling or knocking, it is advisable to have it checked sooner than later.
Come to Our Mercedes Experts For Seamless Suspension Repairs
At Bavarium Autoworks, we specialize in taking care 
of all the problems you may have with your Mercedes and other European-branded cars. Located in Mountain View, CA, our shop also serves the residents of Cupertino, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Saratoga, CA.
If you have a Mercedes that rattles and you are worried about it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we will help identify the root cause. We have skilled technicians that not only locate the problem but also repair it quickly and correctly. Don’t let the problem get out of hand. We are only a call away. Give us a call and let’s get your Mercedes up and running again.