I bought my first mercedes diesel recently. Its a 1985 300d w/ turbo. I paid 1200 for it, its ugly as sin and I plan on driving it 'till it don't drive no more; with as little maintenance as possible.

Anyhow, The car makes a sort of thud thud sound from the left wheel when making hard right turns. I'm no professional but, it sounds like a wheel bearing to me. The PO said it started happening after he got new rims put on it (why would anyone do that?). He thought it was some sort of mis-installation, but like me he was broke and the car still rolled so he never looked into it. Is his story feasible or is it probably just a wheel bearing or axle problem?

The former will come quickly as the result of the latter.

A 25-year-old Mercedes diesel in rough condition will consume maintenance with an amazing hunger.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Well, that's a dumb idea. That's what Chevy Cavaliers are for, not quality diesel MBs. Maintain the diesel and it will last you, but without it, won't last long at all.

In terms of the problem, thudding isn't common. Look to make sure the wheel isn't hitting anything when it's fully turned. While you're at it, you should probably check the suspension bushings and ball joints. Is the sound rhythmic, or does it just happen once or twice per turn?

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1983 240D 3.0T 4-speed manual, now sold

1989 Subaru GL Wagon 5-speed Touring Edition

Its rhythmic. I looked into a little more and it happens when the suspension compresses on a hard right turn (the sounds from the left). But not when i make a sharp right turn at low speeds.

You could remove the wheel from the suspected side and see how much end play the Wheel Hub has.
While the Wheel is off take a look at the threaded ends of the Lug Bolts and see if they have been hittin anything.
And, take a look at the inside of the Rim to see if it is hitting anything.

There have been instances when members changed their Rims that the Lug Bolts were too long for the new Rims and protruded and hit somthing.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

CV joints on the rear axle?

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Agreed.

The OP bought the wrong vehicle.

A little wheel bearing rumble ain't nothing to worry about if your going to drive it as you plan.

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1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...

good point

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1983 240D 3.0T 4-speed manual, now sold

1989 Subaru GL Wagon 5-speed Touring Edition