Owned my 1995 X300 for about 15 years (100K on the clock) and up to the last few months the suspension at the rear was noise free. Now however, uneven roads and speed bumps often results in banging noises from the rear. I was having another matter sorted out by my garage and briefly mentioned this and, as I believe the rear shock absorbers have never been replaced, it was recommended to me that, aside from any other possible causes, I should have them replaced anyway.
Would worn shockers or worn bushes cause such a noise and even so am I better replacing them anyway?
Incidentally, took a ride in the owners 1996 X300 which has 200K on the clock and the ride difference was stark. Noiseless! He has replaced his rear and front shockers.
So, whatever the cause of the noise, should I firstly just get them replaced?
Thanks.

 

Failure of shock absorber bushings and cushions...both front and rear shocks.... is rather common on X300s. Noisy suspension is the typical result.

Sometimes shock absorbers themselves can become noisy, yes.

Replace the shocks on general principle? Probably not a bad idea if the pocketbook allows. Shocks degrade slowly....the degradation often going unnoticed. Then, with new shocks, an immediate improvement is often felt.

Cheers
DD

 

New Bilsteins on mine a month or two ago front and rear. Not a bad job unless a shock bushing gets frozen to the shock bolt and you end up cutting the bolt out. And that wasn't terrible....just a pain.

Rear noise can also be subframe mounts. I replaced with powerflex Polyurethane.

 

Thanks, appreciated.