rear noise - "hollow rattle" '83 300SD
 

Hi all,

Recently started driving my '83 300SD on a daily basis again and have noticed an annoying "rattle". Best way to describe it is a hollow rattle. At first I thought maybe my spare was loose in the trunk. It is not a constant rattle but more noticeable when the road is a little bumpy. Any ideas? shocks possibly...transmission mount? It is difficult to diagnose because there is nothing I can do to create the "rattle" when the vehicle is at a stand still. Any similar experience? Thanks in advance!

How is your rear window seal? If the window is loose it will make a sound like an empty cardboard box bouncing (that's the closest I can come to describing the sound). Tap the glass from the inside to check.

thanks for the tip...window seal seems fine. I the tapped glass and noticed no movement.

shock
 

Sounds like maybe one shock is gone....look under for oil leaking down shock tube as a giveaway. Even without a leak it can be shot. Find some speed bumps that have gaps and run over allowing one side to "shoot the gap" and feel the difference. The side with the bad shock you will definitely notice. If both aren't gone the ride still isn't too bad, but the other will soon follow.


John

Swaybar links?

Sway Bar Rear Links
 

1984 300d Turbo 143,000
Replace Rear Swap Bar Links 2 Ea 6 In Long, Side Of Brake Disk
One Goes On Without The Nut The Other End Use The Nut May Be 17mm To Sway Bar, Shocks May Be Loose Nuts At Top Or End Nuts