Now for my newest strange sound of the week. In a post this weekend, I sought help regarding a rhythmic grinding or rubbing sound coming from the front wheel of my 1999 C230K (48,000 mi) at low speeds. Joel was kind enough to suggest a wheel bearing problem. Now, in addition, I and my wife are hearing an occasional high pitched whine coming from the front of the car at speeds above 35-40 mph. The sound goes away when the brakes are applied or the speed drops. Also the sound starts at a lower pitch and goes higher, then holds. Are these noises related? Any ideas on what's the source of the high pitched (and loud!) whine? Thanks in advance for your help

They can possibly be related. Have you had any recent brake work. If you havn't then you may be up for some new front pads at the least. I would need to actually the whine to provide a better guess than that - the only whining I usually hear is around my house.

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Jim

I really have no idea whether this would be it or not, but I had a similar sounding problem on my 86 420 SEL, whereby I would hear a whine as I accelerated and then hold.

It apparently came from interference of some kind from the alternator and the radio. I replaced the original becker with an aftermarket and it went away.

Thanks for the suggestions offered - after driving the car this morning, I noticed the high-pitched sound occurs right at 45 mph and goes away if I drive faster or slower than 45. If I stay right at 45, the sounds stays and intensifies slightly. I took it to my local MB dealer this morning and hopefully they can find the problem and, more hopefully, whatever the problem, it is covered under the warranty.

I had this once on a c, deflecting front bearing. Allowed the rotor to contact the backing plate, repacked and reset bearing preload and the noise was gone.

Joe

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Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon
Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque?
Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible
Acme Automotive Inc.
Raleigh NC
919-881-0364

The service manager at my local MB dealership informed me yesterday that they think the source of both strange sounds is a defective wheel bearing. The good news - they intend to repair it under warranty. The bad news - they believe the car may have been wrecked at some prior time. They can't tell how bad the wreck was - but believe that the dealer I bought it from should not be held at fault because the body work was so well done that it is barely perceptible. I, on the under hand, am somewhat upset as I ran a carfax and my insurance company did a check and found no record of an accident or damage. I know the car was a MB lease program car before I bought it - would MB records show history of body work being done while on lease and does anybody know how I can get that info. Thanks

BillH-

Of course before you bought it, you DID say to your sales person "Has this car been in any accidents or been repainted"? To which he replied " ......."

Be sure to convey this conversation to the selling dealership management.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Haasman - the independent dealer replied "not to our knowledge". That is why the statement by the MB dealer that the independent dealer may have truly not noticed the bodywork is important. If I found that records of the damage and repair was kept by MB Leasing and available to the independent dealer upon their purchase of the car, my case would be stronger. In fact, it would consititute a material misrepresentation. I hope to learn more about the nature of the suspected prior damage tonight when I pick up the car.