That vacuum pod thing in the trunk - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spugeddy · #1 12-12-2007, 04:13 PM

OK. that egg carton looking vaccum storage container in the trunk of my W123 is loose.

I have had a noise going over bumps, etc, that I thought was the sway bar links. After I had them replaced, the noise was still there.

Now I am convinced the noise is coming from the vacuum storage container.

My question is is that thing supposed to have to screws in it to hold it to the car. Mine is loose where I can pull it out, PO put a piece of foam on the container and a piece of the trunk compartment to try to wedge it in there.... no dice.

So do I just fasten the dang thing back to the car..... How does it go in?

#2 12-12-2007, 05:50 PM

It's held in place with a single small bolt to the top of the trunk deck. I don't remember the size.

spugeddy · #3 12-13-2007, 09:25 AM

I will fasten it down tonight when I get home!!!

I didn't have time yesterday. I can't wait. That noise has been driving me nuts for a year....

spugeddy · #4 01-10-2008, 04:07 PM

Noise is still around. It kinda went away for awhile, but now it is back.

It sounds like a thin wooden board rattling over bumps, and as the cars weight shifts to the back passenger wheel.

When I go over a speed bump I get a terrible chasis rattle ( I don't think it is the sway bars, cause I just replaced them, It is not the vaccuum pod, it is not the spare tire, or jack or the inner black plastic lining on the side of the trunk.

I am thinking it is suspension, or springs in the back, but I have read here that they are very robust in MB's and will last for freaking ever.

Could it be the hat deck, or something in my pillar between the side glass (rear) and the rear window. I do have some interior pieces coming apart in that section between my rear window and the side window (coupe half window for the back seaters)

Input, thoughts?

MattBelliveau · #5 01-10-2008, 04:09 PM

Shocks?

Stevo · #6 01-10-2008, 04:32 PM

sway bar link?

chetwesley · #7 01-10-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

sway bar link?

I think you missed his first post.

Stevo · #8 01-10-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chetwesley

I think you missed his first post.

I think you missed his forth post

Diesel911 · #9 01-10-2008, 10:10 PM

The rubber bumpers on the shocks could have compressed or shrunk and may need to be tightened or replaced. To get at the upper ones on my car they are under the rear corners of the rear seat.
Near where your rear jacking point are the subframe mounts also have 2 rubber parts that if loose can do the same.

miljohnj5 · #10 01-10-2008, 10:21 PM

A completely simple suggestion but do you have your spare tire cover in place correctly? You said it sounded 'like a thin board', just an idea.

spugeddy · #11 01-11-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miljohnj5

A completely simple suggestion but do you have your spare tire cover in place correctly? You said it sounded 'like a thin board', just an idea.

yeah, I have tried that. I removed the board, the lining, the tire, the jack, it really sounds to me now like it is coming from the wheel area or slightly above, but in that corner.... I like the shock theories so far...

Any more takers?

Thanks,

vstech · #12 01-11-2008, 10:17 AM

can you take out the rear seat, and anything on the rear deck, and have somebody drive around a parking lot with speed bumps while you carefully listen for where the noise is coming from?
report back.

bubbazook2 · #13 01-11-2008, 11:12 AM

Hi Spugeddy, I've got same sound in my 84 300D turbo. mine seems to be in right rear corner, usually hear it making 90 degree left turn slightly up hill. I've got some worn sway bar links but this sounds more like arasping sound, maybe bushings in trailing arms shot. also less noise when it's colder outside. I'll get around to fixing later.my next project is new lower oil cooling line while doing oilchange and filter. That's the fun of driving these classics, working on them,ha,ha. bill

yogarda · #14 01-11-2008, 11:41 AM

Last spring I had the passenger rear top shock nut get loose on me and make a nice banging sound over bumps and around turns... Just had to take the rear seat back off, pry off the 4" round plastic disc covering the service hole, tighten the nut down again and have not heard from it since. I drive 80mi round trip to work each day, so over the course of these 9 months it has taken a pounding.

spugeddy · #15 01-11-2008, 01:17 PM

I like where this is going....

I could remove the rear seat back and look, is that the only way....

I am pretty much ruling out the trunk, and going to focus on the wheel area and suspension.