Well, it's been awhile since I last wrote.
The last few weeks I could hear like a grinding/scraping coming from the rear of my 98 Ml 320. Thinking it was the brake pads worn out, I thought I could operate until I had time to replace or do a complete brake job. Tonight I was on the last 20 miles of a 200 mile trip when the rear end started to vibrate/shudder at intervals, like those wake up bumps on the shoulders. The intervals of vibrations were random, then all of a sudden it was continous. I got out and the wife just coasted it and I could hear/feel the vibration coming from the rear axle area. Could this be the wheel bearing(s)? Is this expensive? Can an ordinary domestic car mechanic repair this? can I do this, or do I need special tools? Is there a way to tell exactly what it is? Could there be more damage than just the bearings, like axle/spindle? The vehicle has 179k.

Thanks again,

Kevin

It could be any number of things. If you aren't mechanically inclined, bring it to an independent, unless you have bags of money. If you have bags of money, then a stealership will do.

If the indy is not MB savvy, have him take a good look at the set-up. I am sure he'll agree he can tackle the job. Parts can be bought here or any number of on-line parts places. No need to enrich your local stealership.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

I'm prepared to go to the local inde on this one, as the stealerships won't even kiss me first. I'm just trying to get a feel what this will entail. From what I have been reading this could be fairly inexpensive, cost and labor if it is the bearing.
I have a tentative appointment date on tuesday. But, I'm still waiting for a couple other shade tree mechanics to call me back.

Where in Wisconsin are you?

If you go to the top of this page , and click it, you can look up what the parts costs will be for your 98ML. A bearing kit should only be 50-75 bucks.

If it is the half shaft, you might get lucky with one from a junkyard. Or not!

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

I checked parts prices from sources to get an idea. What about this half shaft? I'm praying it's not worse. Is the half shaft the axle or spindle? What would the junk yard price be?

We're in Shawano, but we cover from Vilas Co to Kenosha Co in our business, in other words, we're all over. Originally from Milwaukee. We're in manitowoc/Two Rivers couple, three times a month.

It's at an inde now, so, i'm waiting for the news...crossing my fingers!!!

Thanks

Let me know if you need a half shaft. My brothr works sales for an LKQ junkyard. Can't really get a better deal, but at least he'll take the time to look.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Thanks Fred,
I'm still waiting to hear from the inde.

Kevin

Just got word from the inde..it's the rear center bearing...to the tune of $300($200 bearing and $100labor)

Center bearing on the driveshaft?

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

If I had bags of money, I would still go with a indie who is specialized with MB or Euro cars and give the money I saved to charity. MB stealers are thiefs and don't deserve any of our money.

Sorry, I didn't clearify that. IThought I did!! The complete job is $288, and is done now.