when i start rolling after several hours parked (or overnight) and turn sharp ALMOST to the end (left or right), i hear a strong repeated noise that sounds like crackcrackcrack. like hard parts hitting 1 another.
this began happening when the temperature dropped near freezing.
this happens only 2 or 3 times; then everything runs smooth. steering is precise, everything seems fine.
i took it to the mb mechanic, who lifted it and removed the left wheel and tightened something, and of course charged me. but still the sound is there.
it is NOT something like rubbing; it sounds metallic, hard, rough.
i searched but there is nothing like this.
the threads i found are about rubbing.
the car is a 2005 with some 65,000 miles. in great shape, never under rain or snow.
but i must admit that anyway, parts like rubber age no matter if treated well.
which of those rubber parts could be in need of replacing? has any1 faced this situation?
thanks for polite, positive advice.

 

Have you examined the springs and shocks. Could be a minor issue here. Can be hard to spot.

Could be that or stop parking overnight on a field of Rice Krispies

 

seems a good idea to check on that. will tell.
thanks
and it happens anywhere if i park long enough. and this only near freezing.

 

Phil, Take a really good look at the front springs. The front springs seem to be a Mercedes issue on their vehicles and the Crossfire. My right front spring was broken about an inch or two from the bottom of the spring where it attaches to the lower A arm. The car rode fine with the broken spring. Remember, when it gets cold metal shrinks so you may be hearing the two spring pieces hitting each other. Just a guess but worth checking out. Hope this info helps.

 

Sounds silly but check your calipers. The bolts may have loosened.

Seriously, I just dealt with the same symptom on my SRT. I could find nothing wrong with suspension or wheels. One bolt came off as I exited the Interstate. It turns out it was the caliper making the popping noise.

Use Locktite.

 

terrific! will do so. thanks.

 

eventually i replaced the stabilizer rod that is mounted across and the noise is gone-and steering improved.

 

I would not advise the permanent removal of the stabiliser cylinder at all. It buffers road forces reaching the steering wheel and helps eliminate tram lining for one.
Your very first tip other than one direct from the internet or a known tip on the forum is a bad one, try again.

 

update: replacing the stabilizer rod did not solve the problem. seemed to be, but a few days later returned. it took replacing the ball joints to solve it (or it seems so far).
i found this thread with lots of data on how to do it, but somehow replacing the nuts at the back was not as easy. as a matter of fact, took lots of work removing the parts that were blocking the access to the nuts: https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ntrol-arm.html

 

just to confirm that replacing the ball joints did the trick: now there are no crack noises anymore.
so, if you find yourself in this position, most likely this will be the solution.