I have a 1988 560 SL with 137,000 miles on it. Engine and tranny are GREAT!! The problem I have is with the driver rear wheel/bearing/axle/WHATEVER. There is a grinding noise coming from the driver rear wheel that is intermittent and seems to correct when the vehicle has been driven for a while but reoccurs at any time. Honestly it sounds like I am dragging a concrete block. At first I thought the muffler was dragging but on inspection there was nothing hanging down. I was told the sway bar link could have broken and is rubbing the rotor but this wasn't happening. I also suspected wheel bearings but was told this almost never happens on this model. I was also told it could be the parking brake but nothing happens when I engage it. It doesn't sound like a wheel bearing (it grinds and scrapes instead of roaring) but when taking the load off(turning right) the noise subsides. I would like to have some idea of my problem before turning the car over to a HIGH priced Mercedes mechanic. Thanks, Mike.

Brake pads worn out?

__________________
Keep us posted especially if your problem is solved
Present cars:
My car: E-class 420CDI, 2008, W211, V8, 180 000km

Wife's one: C-class 220CDI Sport Coupé, Euro, 2002, W203. 345 000km

Son's one: GLK class 220CDI, 2009, W204

Sold E class 260E, W124, 1988 beloved car sold after 489 000 kilometres of reliable services (engine M103, clutch and 5 speed manual gear box all original).

E-class, W210 320CDI, 2000[/B], 225 000km, Sold

there has to be some evidence of scraping on the inside of the left rear wheel.unless you have access to a lift i would suggest that when you jack up the left rear of car that the wheel now falls enough to clear the offending part.take off left rear wheel and examine very closely.

__________________
David S Poole
European Performance
Dallas, TX
4696880422

"Fortune favors the prepared mind"
1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL
1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator)
2000 Mercedes Benz C280
http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/A...1159.thumb.jpg