Tranny output shaft play
 

With my car on the lift, in neutral, I rotate my driveshaft back and forth, and I hear a klunk noise. Its not a problem with the driveshaft, as diagnosed by MB dealer shop foreman and my mechanic. Holding the front part of the driveshaft and rotating the rear does not make the klunk, and vice versa. But, rotating the hole shaft klunks.

I've compared this to two other transmissions I've seen at my mechanic. One is good - with 30Kmi on it, from a wrecked 190. Turned the output shaft yoke back and forth and its smooth w/out klunking. One is old, broke tranny (not sure what's wrong). Turned the output shaft yoke back and forth and it makes a klunking type noise (Almost as bad as mine).

So, my question is,

(1) how common is this klunking?

and, (2) what are the drivability problem that can be associated with this? - is it possible to create a vibration in the gas pedal and steering wheel?

Thanks,
Brian

Mine does the same thing. The "clunk" is quite annoying.

I believe this is caused either by worn gears in the differential, or by a worn out axle shaft.

I'll be replacing my axle shafts this winter (they are both loose and leaking oil), so I'll find out if that's the cause.

Other ideas? Maybe the subframe mounts...?

Maybe others will chime in.

- Patrick

do you know of any place that would sell rear differential gaskets. my 97 e420 has a leaking rear differential. but i don't know where to find a set.