im tring to diagnose my own car and i found the axle nut problem and it sound similar but i find alot of people calling the sound a clunk. i think it s more of a click. it sound identical to loose lug nuts (if you have ever heard that) so is that the same noise as the loose axle nut. i dont know how many times i have checked my lug nuts because it sounds just like that and im hoping all i need to do is get the axle nut retorqued

 

i've never heard of a loose axle nut making noise ever....and i've been wrenchin on mercedes for quite some time....
can you duplicate the noise with the car standing still by bouncing it...
is it a popping noise while your rollin or goin over bumps...
either way, i say check your ball joints with a big @ss pair of channel locks, make sure they dont have excessive movement cuz i know those things resonate some gnarly pops through the cabin
check bushings to make sure they arent worn....
re-torque the axle nut with a good torque wrench...
if the noise hasnt gone you may need a new hub or axle....i've heard clicking noises coming
from the diff too....IF you have access to wireless chassis ears (cuz you cant drive with the regular wire ones) it'll DEFINITELY make the job about 50x easier
goooood luck to ya

 

I agree that the axle nut sound more like a click... but can feel like a clunk inside the cabin.

 

its a known problem theres a technical note on it (not a tsb) its very quiet you can hardly hear it, it really sounds like if one or two lug nuts were loose ill probably check it out tomorow at work where i have access to more tools

 

It's usually a clicking sound associated with the axle nut's.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...ghlight=splines

 

Mine dun't make any noise. I have never tightened them yet.

The best way to do the job properly would be to remove the axle/spindle from the knuckle/hub assy, which involves separating the lower ball joint from the knuckle in order to pull the spindle/axle away from the hub. Once you have done this, then grease the splines on the spindle shaft, then re-insert it in the knuckle/hub assy.

Always re-tighten the spindles with brand new nuts.