Noise coming from near the axles is often difficult to locate. The many different components in a passenger car axle often make a fast, reliable diagnosis a timeconsuming process. The first thing to check is then normally the suspension, stabilizer links, tie rods and compression ball joints. The stabilizer is a component that tends to be overlooked during troubleshooting. Increased car noise, especially during suspension compression and rebound or when cornering may well point to worn, worn-out or otherwise defective stabilizer bearings, stabilizer mounts, stabilizer rubbers or stabilizer bushings. If a defect was determined here as the cause, fitting a new stabilizer mount can solve the issue.

How-to-guide

Step 1

Tip: Conduct the diagnosis on a 4-post lifting platform. This ensures a noise is not produced falsely or eliminated as the axle rebounds.

Removing mounting bolts of the stabilizer mount
  • Raise and secure vehicle.
  • Remove lower engine cover (if present).
  • On vehicles with xenon headlights also disconnect the rod on the level sensor.
  • Remove mounting bolts of the stabilizer mounts - remove mount cover and rubber parts.
Remove stabilizer mounting bolt
  • Loosen and remove stabilizer mounting bolts on the stabilizer rods (stabilizer links).
  • Clean stabilizer thoroughly.

Note: Some stabilizer mounts have sealing sleeves. These can be damaged if dirt accumulates on the stabilizer during assembly!

Depending on the design, the stabilizer mounts have additional sealing sleeves
  • Push sealing sleeves (depending on design) over the stabilizer. Note the installation position of the sleeves.
Installation of the rubber bearing and the mount cover
  • Place rubber bearings and mount cover between the sleeves (depending on design).
Tighten the bolts on the mount cover with the specified torque
  • Move stabilizer into installation position and tighten the mount cover with the specified torque.
  • Affix stabilizer mounting bolts to the stabilizer rods and tighten with the specified torque.

Note: Always use new self-locking nuts and bolts for a reliable repair.

  • Complete vehicle:
    • On vehicles with xenon headlights, connect the rod on the level sensor and, where necessary, adjust the headlights.
    • Fit lower engine cover.
  • Perform a test drive.

Note: When performing the test drive, pay special attention to the handling while cornering and listen out for unusual noises!

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