Transmission Noise
 

Hello everybody.

Recently I've bought a ML430 (W163, 1999, 143000.km) but it makes a strange sound when slowly moving forward or reverse (up to 0-10 mph)
I'd describe the noise as if somebody put a few marbles into the driveshaft (tumbling sound)

I have checked underneath the car, but everything seems OK. If the car is on the hoist (wheels off the ground) there is no sound whatsoever. The noise stops as soon as the car reach the speed of about 10 mph or more.

There are no vibration at all, transfer case, front and rear differentials are filled with good quality oil/fluid.

Any help/advise/suggestion appreciated.

Cheers,
Mick

Sounds like the bearing on the center support of the driveshaft is going bad. Not a difficult, nor expensive, fix.

This what my trans sounded like before the trans went. I've heard that 98 and 99 transmissions had a poorly designed bearing that caused major damage when it failed. Like mine.

Now you've got me scared :eek:
I would never thought that Mercedes transimission can fail at 88000 miles :confused: since my old rusty Toyota still running good after almost 200000 miles...

Update
 

I've replaced the fluid in Transfer Case with "Dextron III" ATF and I can notice the difference but the sound is still there (much quieter but I can still hear it)

Hmmm... Time to go to the Mercedes Service... :cool:

did you check the center support bearing? it is just an arm's length south of the transfer case. If the bearing is going bad, you will hear noises. You can check by grabbing the output shaft and shake it, if it has play, you will need to replace it. If no play, then it's something else.

Hi Guys,

I have the exact same problem as described by Mick on my '99 ML320, 133K miles. But the noise have persisted for at least 2 years now (22K miles), and it does not get any worst, so I cannot really pinpoint exactly where it is coming from. I believe it is either from the transfer case or the center shaft bearing. The truck runs great with no vibrations whatsoever or humming sound.

I don't trust my particular dealer very much. On my last visit they diagnosed a steering rack replacement at $2,800 when the leak was coming from the front differential center seal (payed under $200).

Mick, please let me know if you were able to resolve the problem.

Thanks,

Rene