c230 intermittent shudder

[buddha232]

Folks,

I am in dire need of advice and direction in trying to diagnose and eliminate a significant shudder in a 2000 c230. To summarize, the shudder comes and goes intermittently. It seems to start in the center, underside of the car and resonate violently throughout the chasis and is only slightly noticeable in the steering wheel. I have had every, and I mean every steering and suspension component replaced and this problem still persists. The tires are brand new too (Yokohama Advan S4). My mechanic and I are confident that the entire front end of the vehicle is as tight and true as the day it was new. Is it possible that I have a damaged flex disc or u-joint? I haven't returned to my mechanic yet to have him investigate this possibility but in aimlessly searching for the cause, am running short on possibilities here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[buddha232]

Any ideas floating around out there?

[buddha232]

My frustration got the best of me and I ignored the shuddering as you can see by the dates on this post. During the last month as I drove the car, I paid very close attention to the behaviorial characteristics as the shudder came and went. After further research, and out of sheer frustration I inspected the flex joints and much to my surprise the front joint fasteners appeared to have slipped out of the semi-spherical notch they fit into. I am attaching some photos so you can see what I am talking about. There were no other signs of fatigue such as tears or other deterioration but the bolts attaching the flex joint appear to be very loose. Have I finally found what may be causing this violent intermittent shudder? Thanks, in advance, for any advice and opinions.