Got a 240D '83. Great shape overall - but all (replace-over-repair) mechanics say I need all new suspension parts. I have replaced shocks with new bilsteins. Overall she rides fine thru bumps and dips, better than newer cars of non-German manufacture.
Problem: Deep dips yield a creeky-klunk that sounds like it is coming directly from the passenger foot area - just where the track rod mount is anchored on the opposite side. Get this: barely noticable in the summer, it sounds really bad in the colder (non-freezing) weather...does this indicate anything clearly wrong?
I've inspected the track rod mounts (they look good), shot them w/WD-40 to see if it'd make a difference (no diffference)...but still have the sound. One mechanic claims/guesses that it could be a part other than the track rod mount, but that the sound is travelling up the track rod to the mount...and into the passenger compartment (this theory means that I replace/repair entire front end suspension).
Any ideas?
Bonus question: If I "repair" the entire front end, do I have to replace everything - or just the rubber bushings and grease boots?
Thanks!