Can anyone advise how the thin circular metal "flashing" or "shield" that is attached to the inner side of the wheel and brake disc actually "attaches" to the housing of the wheel. I posted a question a while back about a "scraping" sound on a 45 degree or greater right turn. I checked tire size, wheel well, and other parts attached to the wheel with no luck identifying the sound. But when the weather changed (got slightly warmer) I was able to identify this circular piece of metal is slightly loose by simply feeling around the underside / backside of the wheel. I know this is the source because it makes the exact same scraping sound (pitch and volume) when you wiggle it against the inner piece of the wheel / disc. The other side (right side) piece is slightly flexible but not loose such that it is scraping. It does not seem to have a significant substantive function, maybe it is a shield to keep things from bouncing into the wheel breaks from the inside underneath / or maybe a heat shield for the brake disc of some sort, but it is "loose" such that it is the source of scraping against the wheel / wheel well on turns.

Unfortunately, unlike my '92 300E 4matic the "ground clearance" on this 4Matic is much less with the sport molding, so I cannot get under the car as easily and will have to jack it up. Before I do so, I'd like to know if this is a part that can be attached / reattached with ordinary fasteners or is it a rivet / welding job. If it is the latter, I probably won't DIY. Thanks, CT

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CJTucker

Hope this helps. You can view parts descriptions like this by joining EPCnet. You have to provide a valid credit card and live in the US but there is no charge. See https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/home.jsp for details.

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon

Thank you. so it is a "shield" the Brake Shield. That is very helpful. I did register on EPC i'll go there. Should have thought of that. In terms of its function, would I be correct in assuming this is not an "integral, mechanical" part where this problem is a major concern.? Thanks, again, CT

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CJTucker

Richard: Thanks again. So I see it is the brake's rotor "splash shield" and have read some more about this being a common problem because the shield being purposefully a bit "flimsy" metal can get bent and/or loose. It also looks like just a single bolt secures it onto an otherwise snug fit on the rear side of the brake and rotor assembly. I will try to jack it up and remove the front wheel and see if I can bend it back into shape (if it's bent) or simply tighten / replace the bolt. I have read this is because someone inexperienced with the Benz may have bent or loosened it during a tire change. This one has brand new tires; I suspect it was a hastily done cheap job by the prior seller. In any event, I am thinking about putting different tires on it for the Spring / Summer, so may be I will just have a proper facility fix it if it remains a problem when they do that. Thanks, again.

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CJTucker

I'm not sure but I think you may need to remove the disc (and caliper) to access the bolt.

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon

This was an easy fix. The splash shield was not "loose" but simply bent. We had a pretty nasty winter with a lot of deep ruts in snow and ice and I am assuming it was simply bent inward which was causing the scraping sound. I got underneath and simply bent it back inward (towards the engine), which made it straight circular and no more rubbing at any angle of turn.

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CJTucker