I have a '97 E420 with just over 100K mile. Mostly interstate miles driven on good roads. All services have taken care of.

The car has been making a loud clunk when shifting from reverse to drive. The noise comes from the rear of the car. Is this a problem with the driveshaft or differential? What are the possibilities? Thanks

Ever checked the driveshaft front flex disk? It would be the first suspect on my list.

If it's never been replaced I would willingly bet that it needs to be replaced.

Duke

Rear differential bushings?

My '86 300E had that *clunk* sound and feeling when going from 'R' to 'D' until i had all the bushings replaced. -My rear diff. bushings were totally shot.
Don't know if this applies to the '97 E420 though..

Freestyler

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Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

I am not familiar with your car but sure sounds like diff bush. Easy to check. If the propeller shaft moves when you push on it then find out where it is loose. It should be nice and tight when good.

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72 W114/M130

RedMeat cartoon

On the w124 the bushings are stressed by the rotating motion when the driveshaft is engaging either way.

My bushings looked like this:

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

OK. Looks like I need to take a look at this bushing. Where is it (are they) located?. Are they located where the differential mounts to the car frame or are they actually at the point where the driveshaft enters the diffy? Thanks again.

They are located where the diff meets the frame -on the back of the diff.

Freeestyler

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

Thanks!

There also may be one up front by the tranny-or whatever duke2.6 said.

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72 W114/M130

RedMeat cartoon

The flex disk I was referring to is between the transmission and driveshaft. They are typically cracked by 60K miles and the driveline develops slop. The rear flex disk is more longer lived.

Duke

So flex disc = bushing? Or is it some kind of other animal?

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72 W114/M130

RedMeat cartoon

What is the procedure to change the differential bushings? Can it be done in car or does the whole diff carrier have to be removed?

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)

The flex disk I referred to is at the front of the driveshaft, which is quite different and physically removed from the axle mount bushings.

Duke

Let me rephrase my question: Can the axle mount bushings be replaced while the carrier stays in the car?

Haasman

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

The differential bushings are a likely prospect, but so is the flex disc (front). I also wouldn't rule out a cracked motor mount.

To test for a bad motor mount, you can put the car in reverse, and with your foot firmly on the brake pedal, gently rev the engine and have someone look at your engine. If it jumps up slightly, then it's your motor mount.

Repeat the procedure by putting the car in Drive. If it jumps, then it's the other motor mount.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".