Rattle in the rear? Check those sway bar links
 

I have heard a rattle in the rear of my 83 300D for some time, expecially when going slow over choppy roads or bumps. I had the tires off the other day, and saw that the rubber around where the bolts attached the plastic links to the hub and sway bar were gone for the most part...

Had my car in for alignment and had them install the links as well... Such an improvement!!! Here I was worried because I would yank on the driveshaft and halfshafts and couldnt get much play, yet heard a rattle... I thought a tooth in my differential snapped or something.

So check those white plastic sway bar links on the rear bar... they can fix the rattle when the old rubber falls out and they are replaced.

JMH

Unfortunately, it is sometimes the half shafts themselves that need replacing. BOTH of mine are bad (excessive side to side play), and will be replaced pronto!

Yeah... doesnt that suck? I got sstranded 500mi from home because of the shaft... And was worried that I was going to have another go bad.