01 ML 320 Shock Squeak

[Mitcheeew]

So uncrowded over here in ML/G world compared to the car sites. After hearing some squeaky creak type noise from right rear, (I can stand in rear door sill & move up & down) I removed wheel & siliconed all suspension bushings,joints,etc. My first fear was ball joint & other susupension parts. After putting the wheel back I still hear it, so up to dealer & was told Shock absorber was the culprit, & although structurally sound,this was common. Also told $1500 to to replace since it involved lower control arms such. Is replacing shock (s) something I can do in garage ? As longtime MB owner,(though 87 & 96 diesels primarily) reviews on ML's (up to this year's remodel) maintenance problems have not been kind. Even dealer advisor says they are money pit. When told spark plug replacement is similar as replacing glow plugs in my 96, (& cost also,) I'm wondering if the cost of ownership on this particular vehicle is worth it,considering comparable vehicles in the class. The cup spillers are useless,mileage is poor,frame members show signs of rust,etc....Only 34,000 miles & I'm considering a premptive "trade."

[joeym7]

Hi If the noise is from the rear then its very common problem ,yet its not the shock its the spring ,which on your veh comes with the shock as a combo.Both sides take about 4 hours to complete,just becarefull of the settings or you will need an alignment,did they say anything about some good will,they know they had a problem.One other thing make sure the noise is from the spring shock assembly and not from the adjusting bolt on the rear of the torsion bar just below the rear pass seats.Joeym

[pkumarmd]

Dear Sir, I am An Unfortunate owner of a 00, ML,320, The rear end started creaking last year, so I took it to the dealer same problem, the rear shock and spring combo unit as the culprit. The car is out of warranty, I checked with mbusa, no campaigns for that, I am going to the dealer again this week, If they dont do a good will repair I will not buy another MB again. I have owned six different ones, they are not what they used to be, screw the brand loyality. p.k

[pkumarmd]

Dear Sir, I am An Unfortunate owner of a 00, ML,320, The rear end started creaking last year, so I took it to the dealer same problem, the rear shock and spring combo unit as the culprit. The car is out of warranty, I checked with mbusa, no campaigns for that, I am going to the dealer again this week, If they dont do a good will repair I will not buy another MB again. I have owned six different ones, they are not what they used to be, screw the brand loyality. p.k
Dear Fellow ML owners, Just a follw up on the rattling from rear shock/ spring unit. I had a detailed conversation with a MB rep at the mbusa , The car has only 20,000 miles but it is a year and half out of warranty , Basically he told me since this does not affect the car's ride or handling live with it , I will not drive this car like that, every time i turn or go over a bump it creaks like it is 100 years old. I even cited my loyality to the company, as i have purchased 6 different models starting in 1982. That did not make any difference. It was sad to see that MBUSA really does not care about their customers wheather they are repeat buyers or not. I thought this was worth sharing, this is my LAST MB. thank you, p.k :mad:

[joeym7]

Hi Iam sorry to hear that the dealer would not good will the repair,or even offer to split the parts and or labor considering the mileage and knowing they have a problem with the springs making a noise.Ihope after a while you will reconsider buying another MB ,maybe an older model.Joeym

[davidinsac]

Wow, that sucks. My 1999 ML 430 had over 100,000 miles (just traded in this weekend) and I had no serious problems with it. Again, sorry you're having issues at 20,000 miles. Good luck with your future SUV, whatever u choose. :o

[R3Wood]

I just fixed the same thing with 50,040 miles on a 2002. I can't believe this fails after 50,000 miles.

[athensML]

I'm having the same rear-shock squeak on my '99 ML, but I'd like to avoid replacing the whole shock/spring assembly. Does anyone know if there's an easier fix, even if it requires routine maintenance (like periodically greasing the offending parts?)

[pkumarmd]

The Rear shock and spring assembly will need to be replaced, you can not repair it by routine maintenance , This is a manufacturing defect in side the shock , try to negotiate a deal part lobor and parts etc , Donot pay the entire cost as it may cost over 1200 dollars, good luck it is terrible that we have to deal with this. p.kumar, m. d

[athensML]

Thanks for the feedback.