W210 Driveshaft Advise

[Southern]

My 98 E320 with 107K miles has a slight vibration (felt through steering wheel) from 45 to 65 MPH. I believe that I detect a slight backlash from the driveshaft when I come to a stop.

I thought that my flex disks were worn due to the age and miles on the car. I lifted the car up on all fours and did a close inspection. There are no cracks or movement when I twist the driveshaft by hand of the flex disks. There is a slight movement (rotational) from the output of the trans with the car in Park.

There is a slight movement (latteral) at the center support bearing. The movement is under 1/8". Is this normal or do I have issues with the driveshaft support? Fastlane lists a driveshaft bushing and a driveshaft support for my car, is the driveshaft bushing part located at the center support and is it usually replaced along with the center support? Is the heat shield held in place by rivits or are those threaded studs?

I believe that my flex disk may be an issue since I couldn't apply much torque on the driveshaft twisting it by hand. Since I would like to find the cause of the problem instead of throwing parts at it I would appreciate any advice.

[engatwork]

Does not sound like you need to replace the flex disc to me. They provide plenty of visual clues when they need to be changed. I changed some earlier this week on a 300SE and it came apart as I changed it and it was quite evident that it was worn out.

I would suggest a tire balance to start and then, based on a visual inspection of the front tire, maybe an alignment.

[Southern]

Thanks for the advice Jim, I shouldn't overlook the simple causes of vibration.

The tire balance issue should be an easy test, I can put on my winter tires and see if the vibration goes away.

[michakaveli]

I have the exact same issue, had it for a while. Others have reported this as well but to date I have not heard of solution.