My wife drives our 300D. She told me today it was making a "clunk" sound when she applied the brakes.

I drove it and couldn't make it clunk. However, I did notice a change in the way it shifts. When you start out, after a very short distance and at low speed/RPM it makes a slight and weak... I don't know what to call it,it doesn't feel at all like a shift,more like U joints slipping just for an instant. It seems way too early and weak to be a shift.

Second to third is pretty much the same but stronger. It is more noticable under normal or light accelleration. If you mash it to the floor, it seems to behave in a normal way.

I know this is hard to diagnose without driving, but any insight would be welcome.

Thanks,

Bill

90 300SE
85 300D
84 399SD (sold)

I hate to ask the obvious. But did you check the fluid level per the manual?

intruder
91 300E2.6

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All of the controls are vacuum sourced, so check for vacuum system leak.

DOC,

Now that I think of it, She also noticed the locks not working and the engine won't shut off without locking the doors first(a trick I learned).

So, a vacuum leak sounds likely. Where do I start to run this down?

Thanks a million!

Mr. BILL