Crackling and cracking noises when cornering
Topic number

LI40.10-P-059248

Version

8

Function group

40.10 - Wheels, tires

Date

10/14/25

Validity

Model 167
Model 204.#77 with code 785 or 793 (AMG light-alloy
wheel, cross-spoke design)
Model 205
Model 217.#77/ #78/ #79/ #87/ #88
Model 222.#77/ #78/ #79/ #87/ #88
Model 223
Model 232
Model 253
Model 290
Model 297

Reason for change

Adding EQ validity

Complaint
Crackling and cracking noise from the outer wheel on the front axle when cornering

Attachments
File

Description

Example Wheel Clicking.mov

Cause
The noise is generated by a micromovement on the contact surface between the rim and the brake disk (wheel bolt
group) and may be intensified by potential soiling. The more lightweight rim (AMG forged rim) transmits the noise louder; in the case of cast rims, the noise is generally not perceptible.
This is not a technical defect, but rather a complaint concerning comfort. Safe operation of the vehicle is ensured at all
times.

Remedy
Important note:

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The operations described below do not represent a permanent remedy in every case. The noise may reoccur again
after an indefinite period of time; sanding the rims with abrasive media multiple times is not permissible. Only cleaning using the Hazet tool 4960-160 (recommendation) can be performed without any concerns each time the wheel is
changed or if the complaint reoccurs.
Replacing the parts (rim, wheel bolts, wheel bearings, wheel hub, brake disk) is not expedient in the event of this complaint.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Clean the components of the wheel bolt connection according to the WIS instructions
Sand down the rim and brake disk bowl by performing the following steps:
•

Manually sand rim (old design only) in area of water drain bores (Figure 1; item A), approx. 1.5 cm left and right
of water drain bore (Figure 2)

Note:
Use abrasive paper with grit size 80.
The grooving in this area should no longer be visible (sand down approx. 0.1-0.2mm)
•
•

Also sand brake disk bowl using emery cloth or abrasive paper with a grain size of 120
For vehicles equipped with the AMG ceramic brake system (B07), abrasive paper may not be used for cleaning
on the brake disk side

Note:
Do not use any cleaning agent when cleaning on the rim side. Cleaning using abrasive paper with a grain size of 80
will suffice.
Do not apply any grease, lubricant or paste after cleaning
The brake disk bowl should be "bare metal" in the area of the imprints made by the hole (Figure 3)

Attachments
File

Description

Abbildung 1.jpg

Areas to be sanded

Abbildung 2.jpg

Detailed image of area to be sanded

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Abbildung 3.jpg

Brake disk after sanding

Felge neu .jpg

New version of rim (shown on rim X290)

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WIS-References
Document number

Title

Note

AP40.10-P-4050CW

Remove/install wheels

SI00.00-P-0086A

Service Information: Guidelines for
queries relating to technical complaints

AR40.10-P-1100-02A

Clean components of the wheel bolt
connection

Recommended tool Hazet 4960-160

Disclaimer
NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the
knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz
approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and
provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect
is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a
symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes
resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service
technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained
in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicle’s warranty in any way.

Symptoms
Chassis/suspension > Noises > Cracking
Chassis/suspension > Noises > Clattering
Chassis/suspension > Wheels/tires > Tire noises > Rhythmic knocking
Chassis/suspension > Wheels/tires > Rim > Current problems
Chassis/suspension > Noises > Creaks

Operation numbers/damage codes
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Op. no.

Operation text

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Time

CCUSHWA

Damage
code

Note

40017**

Please state "Noises" in the note
text

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